Growth and characterization of Hg/sub l-x/Cd/sub x/Te photochemical native oxides

The authors report results on the growth of Hg/sub 1-x/Cd/sub x/Te native oxides using ultraviolet radiation. This method provides a dry, clean, low-temperature process for growing native oxides on Hg/sub 1-x/Cd/sub x/Te. Measurements of the stoichiometry and thicknesses of these oxides are presented and possible growth mechanisms discussed. The stoichiometry of the oxide/Hg/sub 1-x/Cd/sub x/Te interface after annealing is examined with regard to the encapsulation properties of these layers. Preliminary results obtained for high-temperature photochemical oxidation are also reported