State of Cd1-xZnxTe and Cd1-xMnxTe surface depending on treatment type

Abstract

The morphology and composition of Cd1-xZnxTe and Cd1-xMnxTe solid solutions surfaces after different types of surface treatment were investigated. Chemical etching of the surfaces and polishing by diamond pastes cause change of surface stoichiometry and ontamination of surface layer by carbon and etchant components. Potentiometer studies were carried out to study the processes that take place on the interface "semiconductor-electrolyte". A prediction of phase composition of oxide films on Cd1-xZnxTe and Cd1-xMnxTe surfaces was made and a mechanism of their dissolution was determined. It was found that chemicomechanical polishing by alkaline colloidal silica compositions is an optimal surface treatment procedure. Chemico-mechanical polishing with this mixture gives a uniform surface without essential change of surface stoichiometry and fouling of the surface layer by etchant components.