Vapour growth patterns of CdTe crystals

Abstract

CdTe single crystals were grown from the vapour phase by the sublimation method in order to study crystal habits and growth patterns. For this purpose a new technique for revealing the growth patterns was developed. This technique is based on an oxidation of the surface and results in colourful growth patterns. Observations of the growth spirals provide further evidence to support Frank's theory of screw-dislocation-induced crystal growth.