The effects of hydrogen in stabilizing the electrical properties of n-Pb0.8Sn0.2Te thin films

Abstract Epitaxial films of n Pb 0.8 Sn 0.2 Te were exposed to hydrogen at high pressures (up to 500 psi) for durations of up to 3 hr. It was observed that the Hall coefficient and Hall mobility decrease with the increase of hydrogen intake. Unexposed films and the films exposed to hydrogen at pressures of less than 350 psi were found to exhibit significant ageing effects. On the other hand, the films exposed to hydrogen at pressures of 350 psi or more, did not show any ageing effects in atmospheric air for up to 180 days.