Hg1-xCdxTe: Defect Structure Overview

Native point defects play an important role in HgCdTe. Here we discuss some of the relevant mass action equations, and use recently calculated defect formation energies to discuss relative defect concentrations. In agreement with experiment, the Hg vacancy is found to be the dominant native defect to accommodate excess tellurium. Preliminary estimates find the Hg antisite and the Hg interstitial to be of comparable densities. Our calculated defect formation energies are also consistent with measured diffusion activation energies, assuming the interstitial and vacancy migration energies are small.