Photo-assisted electrodeposition of CdTe semiconductor from ammoniacal alkaline aqueous solutions

The cathodic current density for CdTe electrodeposition from ammoniacal alk aline baths (pH 10.7 similar to 10.8) was enhanced by photo-irradiation of the cathode surface. Voltammetric analysis revealed that the photo-induced enhancement was caused by CdTe deposit on the growing surface. By this irra diation, deviation of the composition of the resulting CdTe film from stoic hiometry was depressed and current efficiency increased. The photo-assisted growth was discussed in terms of the deposition mechanism.