Linear terms in q→ in the macroscopic optical properties of zincblende type materials: theory and experiment

P. ETCHEGOIN, A. FAINSTEIN, P. SANTOS, L.C. LEW YAN VOON, M. CARDONA

SOLID STATE COMMUNICATIONS

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Año: 1994 vol. 92 p. 505 - 510

0038-1098

Situations under which off-diagonal symmetric or antisymmetric terms in the dielectric tensor ϵij(ω,q→) of zincblende-type materials, proportional to the wavevector of the light q→, may exist are reviewed and clarified. Off-diagonal linear terms in q→ have been associated with macroscopic effects on the polarization of the light of two different kinds: optical activity (antisymmetric) and gyrotropic birefringence (symmetric). Contrary to recent reports concerning GaAs, we show that gyrotropic birefringence caused by the symmetric off-diagonal linear terms in the dielectric tensor does not exist in bulk crystals under equilibrium conditions. Any such reported effects should be attributed to residual internal stress or surface effects.