Electronic properties of HgTe-Hg 1- xCd xTe and HgTeZn 1- yCd yTe superlattices with ideal and non-ideal interfaces

We have carried out pseudopotential calculations of the electronic properties of HgTeHg _{1- x}Cd _xTe and HgTeZn _{1- y}Cd _y erlattices. In our calculations the microscopic potential and relativistic calculations are fully accounted for. In this study we describe microscopically imperfect interfaces, i.e. interfaces where the translational symmetry in the interface plane is broken. We find new states localised at the interface. In Hg-rich structures these states lie in the forbidden gap. The effect of strain-enhanced momentum mixing on confined states is discussed, with reference to the unstrained system.