Absorption constant of Pb 1− xSn xTe and Hg 1− xCd xTe alloys

Abstract

Equations are derived for the absorption constant of Pb 1− x Sn x Te (LTT) and Hg 1− x Cd x ,Te (HCT) including the Burstein-Moss shift of the absorption edge. The equations are given in terms of the k−p band structure parameters appropriate to the two alloy systems. Comparison of calculated absorption spectra with experimental values reported to date indicate satisfactory agreement. Some new approximate relations are given for calculating the Fermi level in n-type HCT in either the degenerate or classical carrier concentration regime.