Luminescence spectra of high-purity GaP at high pump intensity demonstrate the existence of an electron-hole-liquid phase. Line-shape analysis yields $n_0=6\mathrm{}\times {10}^{18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{-3\mathrm{}}$ for the liquid density and ${\varphi }_0=14\mathrm{}$ meV for the liquid binding energy in agreement with theoretical values. The liquid critical temperature is estimated to be $T_c\simeq 40°$K.

• Received 23 February 1977

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.38.1164