InSb/CdTe heterostructures grown by MBE

InSb/CdTe heterostructures were grown by MBE, including a 10 layer “superlattice”. The structures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, van der Pauw measurements, and SNMS depth profiling. The interfaces widen because of interdiffusion and through the formation of an interface compound from the reaction of Te with the InSb surface. The interface compound is identified as strained InTe(II). The interfaces are still too wide for practical devices. Thermochemical analysis indicates that the reaction can be suppressed by applying a Cd overpressure. The diffusion of In and Sb in CdTe is very fast and will necessitate a MEE growth scheme at lower temperatures.