UV LASER-INDUCED TRANSFORMATION OF THIN EVAPORATED CDTE-FILMS IN AIR

The changes in morphology, composition and absorption spectra of thin evaporated CdTe films were studied during the treatment in air by a pu lsed UV laser. The low-energy laser beam of 3.8 mu J cm(-2) produces a photostimulated oxidation of CdTe perhaps to CdTeO3, as revealed from the electron diffraction patterns. The high energy 1.07 mJ cm(-2) bea m causes a complete melting of the CdTe film and a formation of nearly quantum-confined CdTe particles 10 nm in size. The observed induced d arkening of samples after the high-energy laser-beam action is describ ed owing to the light absorption at the nanometer-sized CdTe particles .