HgCdTe is a ternary semiconductor compound which exhibits a wavelength cutoff proportional to the alloy composition. The actual detector is composed of a thin layer (10 to 20 µm) of HgCdTe with metalized contact pads defining the active area. Photons with energy greater than the semiconductor band-gap energy excite electrons into the conduction band, thereby increasing the conductivity of the material. The wavelength of peak response depends on the material's band-gap energy and can easily be varied by changing the alloy composition. In order to sense the change in conductivity, a bias current or voltage is required. Typically, detectors are manufactured in a square or rectangular configuration to maintain a uniform bias current distribution throughout the active region.
