Valence-Band-Offset Controversy in HgTe/CdTe Superlattices: A Possible Resolution

Abstract
The valence-band-offset controversy in HgTe/CdTe superlattices can be simply resolved. It is shown that, while the superlattice becomes semimetallic with increasing valence-band offset, it reverts to semiconducting behavior as the offset is increased yet further. The observed electron-cyclotron mass and the band gap can be better explained for the offset of 350 meV measured by photoemission than for the smaller offset ∼40 meV which coincidentally is also in fair agreement with the magneto-optical data.