Growth and characterisation of CdxHg1-xTe grown by LPE using a novel sliding boat

Abstract
A significant problem in the growth of CMT by Te-solution LPE is associated with melt residues on the layers. The paper describes the development and use of a sliding boat which tilts the substrate after growth to remove these droplets. The reproducibility of the process depends on control of Hg vapour pressure and the composition of the melts. A relationship between the x-value of the layers and the Cd and Hg content in the melts has been established. Variations in x are approximately +or-0.002, for x approximately 0.22, over 13*13 mm2 areas. Various chemical analysis techniques have been used to assess the purity of the layers. Electrical characterisation of the layers has shown them to be p-type as grown, as expected, and suitable annealing in Hg vapour converts them to n-type.