It was recalled that the diffusion of Hg in HgTe-related materials had played a major role in the development of this family of materials. However, the study of Hg diffusion had been limited to diffusion perpendicular to the surface (into or out of a sample). Evidence was presented here which showed that, when samples underwent laser annealing, substantial amounts of Hg were also displaced laterally. This lateral diffusion was detected via the thermal probe mapping of slices.

F.G.Moore, R.E.Kremer: Applied Physics Letters, 1988, 52[16], 1314-6

Figure 15

Diffusivity of Hg in HgCdTe as a Function of Temperature