Electronic properties of HgTe-CdTe superlattices

HgTe-CdTe superlattices are new quasi-two-dimensional systems which are of great technical and fundamental interest. We report here calculations of the band structure of these superlattices, evidencing in particular the existence of interface states. Magneto-optical investigations of HgTe-CdTe superlattices are described and interpreted from their theoretical band structures, yielding the interface valence band offset Λ. Finally, we discuss the value obtained for this parameter and also some aspects of these superlattices which might be useful for manufacturing infrared photodetectors.