Formation of HgSe thin films using electrochemical atomic layer epitaxy

The growth of HgSe using electrochemical atomic-layer epitaxy (EC-ALE) is reported. EC-ALE is the electrochemical analog of ALE, where electrochemical surface-limited reactions referred to as underpotential deposits, generally result in the formation of an atomic layer of an element, under controlled potential. HgSe thin films were formed on gold substrates using two reactant solutions: a solution of Hg2+ complexed with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and a HSeO3- ion solution. X-ray diffraction analysis showed a zinc blende structure for the deposits, with a strong (111) preferred texture, and an average grain size of 425 Delta. Electron probe microscope analysis showed near-stoichiometric deposits. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reflection absorption measurements suggest two bandgaps: 0.42 and 0.88 eV. (c) 2005 The Electrochemical Society.