Thermal stability among HgTe/CdTe, Hg1−xCdxTe/CdTe, and Hg1−xMnxTe/CdTe superlattices

In situ interdiffusion measurements on X‐alloyed Hg1−xXxTe/CdTe superlattices reveal that superlattices with x>0 are more stable than HgTe/CdTe superlattices (X=Cd and Mn for the present study). These alloyed superlattices have, therefore, a better chemical stability and hence, longer device lifetime than the nonalloyed ones, allowing for technological developments to proceed. It is hypothesized that the differences between Fourier components of the diffusion coefficients D(T) are due to Cd and Mn substitutions which presumably slow down interstitial and vacancy motions.