Surface wave propagation on semiconductor-dielectric interface

A dispersion relation governing the surface wave propagation on semiconductor-dielectric interface is derived and the results obtained using the relation are studied for different values of inho-mogeneity parameter (α). A linear density variation along the radial direction is assumed in the semiconductor plasma column, and the analysis is carried out under quasi-static approximation. The problem is further extended for the case of a conductor on the surface of the dielectric. The interface wave propagation has been studied in the above cases and the results are compared with those for a homogeneous density plasma. It has been found that the surface wave mode is very much affected by the presence of conductor on the surface and propagates for higher values of α(e.g. α=1.7) and remains cut off for lower values. (author)