Flux growth of optical sensor zinc selenide crystals

Abstract

Binary and ternary selenide crystals have been proven as multifunctional for optical sensors and laser applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate reactive flux growth process of the doped zinc selenide crystals and compared with bulk physical vapor transport (PVT) grown large single crystals. The experimental process of synthesis involved PVP (Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone) flux dissolved in DI water which was heated at 65°C, stirred until all PVP dissolved. We added Se powder dissolved in ethanol and heated again for few minutes. We added ZnCl2 solution in ethanol/Se mixture and heated at well below 100 0 C. Water and ethanol solvent was separated and placed at 200C. The residue material was doped with transition metal. This material was characterized for the luminescence and compared with the results of bulk crystals grown by PVD process.