SUMMARY

The aim of this project is the development of new approaches in the growth of CdTe and ternary compounds (Cd,Zn)Te –CZT- in order to improve the crystalline quality. This improvement is achieved by a modification of the Bridgman method from the melt and the Markov method from the vapour in order to solve the problem inherited from the physical and chemical properties of the compounds.

In the first case, an oscillatory Bridgman method is proposed with the capacity to introduce a superheating process previous the crystal growth followed with a movable thermal fields according the ratio melt/solid during the growth process; in other way in the Markov method a rotational ampoule will be considered together with a displacement along the growth axis. With both approaches the two important problems related with the growth of these materials might be investigated: the elimination of cluster during the Bridgman process, and the difference in thermal conductivity between the solid and the liquid by the use of movable thermal fields in both Bridgman and Markov methods. Furthermore, the crystal quality will be checked in the experimental devices which will be prepared with these materials. A feed back between the results obtained in the devices development and the crystal growth process is totally obligatory.

For the Spanish groups involved in this project, the presentation of this National Project is an unique opportunity to acquire a experimental level on ground and knowledge in microgravity experiments comparable with other European groups, in order to have in a near future the possibility to leadership any project related with microgravity relevance.