Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 February 2011
The interdiffusion mechanism in Hg(l-x)X(x)Te/CdTe superlattices where X is Cd, Mn, or Zn can be deduced from the magnitude of the interdiffusion activation energy. By comparing in-situ x-ray diffraction measurements (our work) with results from Tang and Stevenson (J. Vac. Sci. Technol. AS, 1987), it is found that anionic and cationic Frenkel pairs represent the most likely interdiffusion mechanism in Hg(l-x)X(x)Te/CdTe superlattices. This model mixes vacancies and interstitials, as well as maintaining the conduction type and the electronic mobility. It is further shown that interdiffusion sets in as soon as the growth starts.