INVESTIGATIONS ON FLUX-GROWN CADMIUM-SULFIDE CRYSTALS

Observations on surface microtopography of flux grown CdS crystals are reported. Crystals resulting with cooling rate above 30 degrees C/hr are reported to be dendritic crystals, while those with cooling rate b elow 30 degrees C/hr are reported to be normal crystals like mineral g reenockite as reported in standard books on mineralogy. Reasoning for dendritic growth is briefly discussed. Growth patterns and etch pits f ormation on them are interpreted. It is established that these crystal s grow by tow-dimensional nucleation mechanism and by spreading and pi ling of growth layers.