Nonlinear Coupling of Oscillatory Modes in Current Flow in Semi-Insulating GaAs

Spontaneous current oscillations in semi-insulating (SI) GaAs sample caused by high electric field domains nucleation were perturbed by modulated illumination. Coupling between domain and photocurrent oscillations leads to quasiperiodic and frequency-locked behaviour. The observed Arnol'd tongues structure follows the Farey tree ordering and agrees with predictions of the circle map theory. We also suggest a possible mechanism responsible for the coupling of the modes.