A fast and noninvasive mapping tool based on spatially resolved optica
l second-harmonic generation is presented for the detection of silicon
carbide polytypes in 6H-SiC epilayers. 3C-SiC microcrystallites of di
fferent orientations are identified from second-harmonic rotational an
isotropy scans. The method reported can be used as an efficient in sit
u control of SiC growth processes. (C) 1996 American Institute of Phys
ics.