Optical absorption and photoconductivity in thin films of unstable azides. Part 3.—Cadmium azide and mercuric azide

Abstract

Thin films of cadmium azide and mercuric azide were prepared by the solid state reaction between the alkali metal azides and the corresponding halides. Electron diffraction studies and optical absorption measurements were made to identify the reaction products. The cadmium azide films decomposed readily on electron beam irradiation. Optical absorption and photoconductivity were measured in the wavelength range 1 900–7 000 Å at 298 and 77 K. Close correspondence exists between photocurrent and optical spectra.