Characterization of MCT (Mercury Cadmium Telluride) by EER (Electrolyte Electroreflectance)

The lines observed in the absorption and emission spectra of nearly isolated atoms and ions are extremely sharp. As a result, their wavelengths can be determined with great accuracy. The large amount of extremely precise spectroscopic data for atoms and ions accumulated during the last century and the early part of this century has been responsible for the initial development and many subsequent refinements of quantum theory. Molecular spectra, while usually less sharper than atomic spectra are also sharp. Positions of spectral lines can be determined with enough accuracy to check quantum mechanical calculations of the electronic structure of the molecules. By the same token one concludes that a study and understanding of the optical properties of solids would contribute to the knowledge of their electronic structure.