Phase equilibria in PbTe/CdTe alloys

The Pb/Cd/Te phase diagram in the range Pb_1–x Cd _x Te_1+y where 0x0.15 and y±0.05 was examined by differential thermal analysis. The congruent melting point for PbTe was found to be unique. Annealing of alloys in Te-rich and deficient atmospheres showed that the phase width of the system increased and moved more towards the n-side with increasing cadmium content. The energy of formation of a divacancy for a 3 mole % CdTe alloy was found to be 0.16 eV less than that in PbTe.