Abstract:
@ A process for the production of polyphosphide crystals characterised in that it comprises liquid phase growth of polyphosphide crystals from a polyphosphide melt. More particularly, the process may comprise
(A) heating a polyphosphide charge to a melt having a temperature substantially within the range of from 650 to 670°.C; and (B) slowly cooling the melt to form polyphosphide crystals.
Referring to the accompanying illustrative diagram, the present process may be applied to the growth of crystals of melt 22 on substrates 24 by tilting a sealed ampule 20. The present invention represents an advance over the prior art.