Pb1-xSnxTe epitaxial layers prepared by the hot-wall technique

Abstract

Epitaxial layers of Pb1-xSnxTe were grown on polished-etched KCl substrates using the modified hot-wall technique. Four layers, each 5-30 μm thick, of area 5.5 × 5.5 mm2 were simultaneously grown at growth rates of 0.3–4.8 µm/hr. A typical substrate temperature of 325°C , and baffle and source temperatures of 450-560°C were used. P-and n-type layers were obtained from stoichio-metric and metal-rich sources of (Pb1-xSnx)1+δ Te1-δ, 0.01≤δ ≤0.02, respectively. From metal-rich sources with 0<δ<0.01, the layers obtained were n-type at 300K but p-type at 77K. The layers became intrinsic between approximately 250K and 295K. Carrier concentrations of as-grown layers with 0≤x ≤0.26 were in the range of 1016-1017 /cm3 and mobilities were of the order of 104 cm2 /V-sec at 77K. Both n-and p-type layers were also obtained from metal-rich sources of δ = 0.01 by controlling the Te vapor pressure from a separate reservoir. With Te temperatures higher than the n-p turnover point of 240°C , p-type characteristics were obtained. Layers that were p-type at 77K grown with the Te temperatures near the n-p turnover point had the best mirror-like surfaces.