Abstract
New iodine-evolving etching solutions were developed for surface treatment of CdTe and CdZnTe crystals. The nature of the chemical dissolution of CdTe samples with (100), (110), and (111) orientations, and also of (211) Cd0.96Zn0.04Te samples, in KIO3–KI–lactic acid solution was studied.
It was established that this dissolution is diffusion controlled. Surface roughness measurements revealed highly polishing properties of the etchant.
A study of the chemical composition and structure of the (211)B Cd0.96Zn0.04Te surfaces etched under different conditions was carried out. The thickness of the Te oxide layer was evaluated in the course of heating in vacuum.
KIO3–KI–lactic acid treatment appears to be preferable in terms of elimination of Te oxides from the surface as compared to standard Br2-methanol solution. The etching compositions were shown to be useful for chemical polishing of CdTe-based surfaces.