Morphology study of ZnTe crystals grown from Te-rich solution

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used as a powerful tool to analyze the morphology of ZnTe crystals grown from Te solution. ZnTe crystals found on the end of ZnTe ingot are with micron- to submilimeter size, and their shapes can generally be classified into polyhedral type with smooth facets, and skeletal type with concave faces. The morphology formation mechanisms were discussed. It was found, the ZnTe crystal shape and surface morphology is very sensitive to the growth condition. In spite of the thermodynamics factor (Gibbs free energy theory), the kinetic factors, such as the crystal size and crystalline driving force, play more essential roles in the control of the shape of ZnTe crystals.