Low temperature, postgrowth self-doping of CdTe single crystals due to controlled deviation from stoichiometry

V. Lyahovitskaya, L. Chernyak, J. Greenberg, L. Kaplan, David Cahen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Careful analysis of the Cd-Te pressure-temperature-composition phase diagram, shows a deviation of CdTe stoichiometry only in the Te-depletion direction between 450 and 550 °C. Combined control over the semiconductor composition, via intrinsic defects, and over the atmosphere and cooling rate can, therefore, yield a process for intrinsic doping of CdTe at these relatively low temperatures. We present results that support this. Quenching of CdTe, following its annealing in Te atmosphere at 400-550 °C, leads to p-type conductivity with a hole concentration of ∼2 × 1016 cm-3. Slow cooling of the samples, after 550 °C annealing in Te or in vacuum, increases the hole concentration by one order of magnitude, as compared to quenching at the same temperature. We explain this increase by the defect reaction between Te vacancies and Te interstitials. Annealing in Cd at 400-550 °C leads to n-type conductivity with an electron concentration of ∼2×1016 cm-3. Annealing at 450-550 °C in the equilibrium atmosphere, provided by adding CdTe powder, gives n-type material.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3976-3981
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Applied Physics
Volume88
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2000
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Low temperature, postgrowth self-doping of CdTe single crystals due to controlled deviation from stoichiometry'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this