The field of narrow-gap II-VI materials is dominated by lhe compound
mercury cadmium telluride, MCT or Hg1_ .. Cd .. Te. By varying the x
value, material can be made to cover all the important infrared (lR)
ranges of interest. It is probably true to say that MCT is the third
most studied semiconductor after silicon and gallium arsenide. As
current epitaxial layers of MCT are mainly grown on bulk CdTe- family
substrates these materials are included in this book, although strictly,
of course, they are not 'narrow-gap'. This book is intended for readers
who are either new to the field or are experienced workers in the field
who need a comprehensive and up to date view of this rapidly expanding
area. To satisfy the needs of the frrst group each chapter discusses the
principles underlying each topic and some of the historical background
before bringing the reader the most recent information available. For
those currently in the field the book can be used as a collection of
useful data, as a guide to the literature and as an overview of topics
covering the wide range of work areas.