Large single crystal quaternary alloys of IB-IIIA-SE.sub.2 and methods of synthesizing the same

Patent · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:866481

Ciszek, Theodore F ^[1]

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1. Evergreen, CO

New alloys of Cu.sub.x Ag.sub.(1-x) InSe.sub.2 (where x ranges between 0 and 1 and preferably has a value of about 0.75) and CuIn.sub.y Ga.sub.(1-y) Se.sub.2 (where y ranges between 0 and 1 and preferably has a value of about 0.90) in the form of single crystals with enhanced structure perfection, which crystals are substantially free of fissures are disclosed. Processes are disclosed for preparing the new alloys of Cu.sub.x Ag.sub.(1-x) InSe.sub.2. The process includes placing stoichiometric quantities of a Cu, Ag, In, and Se reaction mixture or stoichiometric quantities of a Cu, In, Ga, and Se reaction mixture in a refractory crucible in such a manner that the reaction mixture is surrounded by B.sub.2 O.sub.3, placing the thus loaded crucible in a chamber under a high pressure atmosphere of inert gas to confine the volatile Se to the crucible, and heating the reaction mixture to its melting point. The melt can then be cooled slowly to form, by direct solidification, a single crystal with enhanced structure perfection, which crystal is substantially free of fissures.

• Research Organization: Midwest Research Institute, Kansas City, MO (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-83CH10093
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4721539
• OSTI ID: 866481
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

single
crystal
quaternary
alloys
ib-iiia-se
methods
synthesizing
cu
1-x
inse
ranges
preferably
value
75
cuin
1-y
90
form
crystals
enhanced
structure
perfection
substantially
free
fissures
disclosed
processes
preparing
process
placing
stoichiometric
quantities
reaction
mixture
refractory
crucible
manner
surrounded
loaded
chamber
pressure
atmosphere
inert
gas
confine
volatile
heating
melting
melt
cooled
slowly
direct
solidification
ternary alloy
stoichiometric quantities
substantially free
inert gas
reaction mixture
single crystal
single crystals
pressure atmosphere
quaternary alloys
ternary alloys
quaternary alloy
/148/420/