Thermophysical properties of HgTe and Hg0.9Cd0.1Te melts

Abstract

Thermophysical properties, namely, density, viscosity, and electrical conductivity of HgTe and Hg0.9Cd0.1Te melts were measured as a function of temperature. A pycnometric method was used to measure the melt density in the temperature range of 948 to 1073K for the HgTe melt and 1011 to 1131K for the Hg0.9Cd0.1Te melt. The density results show a maximum at 1023 and 1020K, respectively, for the HgTe and Hg0.9Cd0.1Te melts. The viscosity and electrical conductivity were simultaneously determined using a transient torque method from 944 to 1098K for the HgTe melt and from 1016 to 1127K for the Hg0.9Cd0.1Te melt. The measured electrical conductivity decreases as the mole fraction of CdTe, x, increases at a specific temperature, and increases as a function of temperature, which shows a semiconductor-like behavior. The measured viscosity decreases as the mole fraction of CdTe, x, increases at a specific temperature and decreases as the temperature increased. The analysis of the electrical conductivity of the melts and the relationship between the kinematic viscosity and density implied a structural transition in these melts. No relaxation phenomena were observed in the density, electrical conductivity, and viscosity of the HgTe and Hg0.9Cd0.1Te melts.