Abstract
In this paper we present optical and exciton properties of ZnxCd1-xS using a pseudopotential approach within an improved virtual crystal approximation which includes the alloy disorder effect. Features such as, refractive index, dielectric constants, exciton reduced mass, exciton binding energy and exciton Bohr radius have been investigated and their dependence on composition has been examined and discussed. All features of interest are found to vary monotonically and non-linearly with the Zn content. The results obtained in the present study may provide useful information for use of this alloy system in various device applications from visible to ultraviolet light.