Sputtering and native oxide formation on (110) surfaces of Cd1−xMnxTe

Abstract
Native oxides on the surface of Cd1−xMnxTe (0≤X≤0.7) have been analyzed on the basis of XPS measurements. Depth profile analysis revealed a significant increase in the thickness at higher Mn concentrations and a strong Mn segregation to the surface, respectively. Sputter‐induced damage on cleaved (110)‐oriented surfaces was analyzed by photoreflectance and photoluminescence measurements. The damage was found to be larger on CdTe than on the alloy. Thermal annealing showed nearly complete restoration for the surface of the alloy, while CdTe revealed irreversible modifications in the near‐surface regime upon sputtering and post annealing.