Effect of the surface on transport phenomena in PbSnTe:In/BaF2 films

Abstract

The effect of the surface on the I–V characteristics of PbSnTe:In film-based structures is investigated in zero magnetic field and in a magnetic field of B ≤ 4 T with different orientations, including in the mode of current limited by space charge. Analysis of the features in the experimental data obtained at different magnetic-field directions and upon layer-by-layer etching of the films shows that the contributions of the free film surface and interface with the substrate to transport phenomena are significantly different and can be caused by a difference in the parameters of localization centers near these surfaces.