A material full of promises: Hg1-xCdXTe - mercury cadmium telluride

Abstract

In recent decades’ doctors and scientists have intensively researched the effect of infrared applications. The rays of infrared devices penetrate the body to a depth of about 5 cm and provide a pleasant warmth, stimulating blood circulation and reducing joint pain. Long-wave infrared light exerts a beneficial effect on nerve cells. These nerve cells are responsible for transmitting the sensation of pain to the brain. Infrared light treatment increases the release of endogenous analgesic substances from the brain and adrenal glands, such as enkephalins and endorphins. The infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum extends from about 0.75 μm to 1000 μm. The article presents a review of HgCdTe infrared detectors, which have been intensively developed in the last forty years since the first synthesis of this compound semiconductor in 1958.