ROLE OF LASER-INDUCED STRESS AND SHOCK-WAVES IN MODIFICATION OF THE PHOTOCONDUCTIVITY OF CDXHG(1-X)TE FILMS

An influence of laser-induced stress and shock waves on photoelectric properties of epitaxial n-Cd0.28Hg0.72Te (CMT) films with a cellular s tructure was studied. Irradiation of CMT films with nanosecond ruby la ser pulses resulted in a modification of photoconductivity spectra and an increase in the photosensitivity because of segregation of electri cally active point defects at the cell boundaries (acting as sinks) an d also because of changes in their electron states as a result of acti on of the laser-generated stress and shock waves. Using the calculatio ns of the temperature of the samples, the depth of shock wave formatio n and the amplitude of shock wave at laser irradiation, it was establi shed that the strongest photosensitization of CMT took place in deep-s eated layers where the shock wave was formed. This deduction was confi rmed by an increase in the photosensitivity of purpose-designed sample s coated with copper foil in such a way as to exclude the photo- and t hermal effects under laser irradiation of CMT solid solutions.