Seebeck coefficient of p-(HgCd)Te in natural temperature gradient

We report on a simple method for the measurement of the Seebeck coefficient alpha on p-Hg1-xCdxTe (x approximate to 0.2) samples in a natural temperat ure gradient established in a He-bath cryostat in the range from 10 to 280 K. The cc of a bulk sample is shown to agree well with the theoretical calc ulation based on the independent fit of the conductivity and Hall coefficie nt. The transport in surface states is estimated and the type of the surfac e layer (inversion or accumulation) is determined. The procedure allows to hit alpha above 50 K very well. The measurements:al lower temperatures show a sizable deviation and only a qualitative description is recommended.