The diffusion of zinc in cadmium telluride

• Published in: Journal of crystal growth Vol. 117; no. 1; pp. 249 - 253
• Main Authors: Aslam, N., Jones, E.D., Noakes, T.C.Q., Mullin, J.B., Willoughby, A.F.W.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.02.1992; Elsevier
• Subjects: Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Diffusion in solids; Diffusion of impurities; Exact sciences and technology; Physics; Transport properties of condensed matter (nonelectronic)
• ISSN: 0022-0248; 1873-5002
• DOI: 10.1016/0022-0248(92)90754-7

The diffusion of Zn in CdTe has been studied in the temperature range 400–900°C by both SEM and radiotracer methods. A simple diffusion model has been used to analyse the results but the variation in diffusion coefficients, 10 -11 to 10 -9 cm 2 s -1, together with further experimental evidence clearly indicates that a complex multi-diffusion process is taking place and needs to be taken into consideration. It has been shown that when one surface of a CdTe slice was prepared for a diffusion anneal with a pure Zn source in the temperature range 550–700°C, the slice took on a curved shape, which did not occur outside this temperature range. This was due to a differential stress set up across the slice which was relieved by brittle fracture at temperatures below 600°C and by ductile slip at temperatures above this value.