Intrinsic carrier concentrations and effective masses in Hg1−xCdxTe

Intrinsic carrier concentrations are calculated for the semiconductor alloy Hg1−xCdxTe. Unlike previous calculations we make no approximations to the band structure, and hence to the density of states, beyond those inherent in the Kane k ⋅ p theory. Our results are compared with the recent calculation of Hansen and Schmit. Close agreement is found in the low compositional x range. However, significant differences, up to 50%, were found for higher alloy compositions. The reasons for the disagreement between the two calculations are discussed.