Chemical modifications of Hg0.1Cd0.9Te surfaces: Analysis with Auger electron spectroscopy

It was previously found that n‐type Hg(1−x)CdxTe with 0.7<x<0.9 can have good photoresponse (albeit relatively poor stability) if a series of appropriate surface treatments are used. In order to have a better control on the state of the surface it was desirable to analyze it by Auger electron spectroscopy, during each of the stages of surface preparation. It is shown that photoelectrochemical etching under certain conditions which is followed by KCN treatment leads to a stoichiometric surface which then produces the best photoresponse.