Broadening mechanisms near the E0 transition in narrow-gap Hg1−xCdxTe (0.2 < x < 0.6)

Abstract The near-band-edge optical and photoelectrical properties of Hg 1− x Cd x Te are investigated by transmittance, photoconductive and luminescence spectroscopy. An empirical description of the absorption coefficient below and above the energy gap E g is given. The physical nature of the transitions below E g (Urbach tail) is being discussed. Contributions due to alloy disorder as well as to shallow levels are distinguished.