Deformation of Si under conditions of the combined influence of an electric current and a magnetic field
Changes in the physical and mechanical properties of single crystals of n- and p-type silicon are investigated under the combined influence of a constant electric current and a magnetic field and an electric current separately. There is a slight increase in the resistivity of Si as pressure is applied. Increased resistance to compressive deformation is observed under the combined influence of a magnetic field and an electric cur- rent during compression, while increased plasticity is seen under the sole influence of an electric current for p-Si samples. There is an opposite effect for samples of n-Si. Increased plasticity is observed under the combined influence of a magnetic field and an electric current during compression, while increased strength is seen under the sole influence of an electric current. Surface microstructures of deformed samples are studied. A possible physical explanation for the observed phenomena is proposed.