Hardness of ZnTe-CdTe Strained Layer Superlattices as Measured by the Nanoindenter

The hardnesses and elastic moduli of strained layer superlattices with 40 cycles and 200 cycles of 25 angstrom ZnTe grown on GaAs substrates by MOCVD are investigated using a nanoindenter. The hardness values for the superlattice with 200 cycles range from 283 kg/mm sup 2 to 213 kg/mm sup 2 depending upon depth of indentation, while those for the superlattice with 40 cycles range from 254 kg/mm sup 2 to 162 kg/mm sup 2 . These values compare with Vickers hardness values for CdTe and ZnTe of 46 kg/mm sup 2 and 65 kg/mm sup 2 , respectively.