Influence of surface deformation upon the properties of Cu-contacts on CdTe single crystals

Cu-similar to-p-CdTe contacts formed by deposition of Cu film on a mechanic ally polished (001) surface of p-CdTe single crystal exhibit rectification property, contrary to ohmic property of Cu-p-CdTe contacts on the chemicall y polished surface of p-CdTe. The height barrier is estimated assuming that it is caused by the distortion band structure at the CdTe surface. The dis tortion is created by mechanical treatment and is a result of a local tensi ons which exceeds macroscopic limit of the CdTe elasticity (4 x 10(9) Pa). A model of the effect is proposed. The calculated magnitude height barrier 1.9 eV agrees well with experimental data. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. A ll rights reserved.