The studies devoted to the synthesis and optical properties of CdAs2 and Zn
As2 crystals and films are surveyed. Vertical Bridgman growth provides the
most perfect CdAs2 and ZnAs2 crystals, suitable for precision spectral meas
urements of optical absorption, photoconductivity, and luminescence. The ex
perimental data obtained on these crystals made it possible to develop mode
ls for the band-structure of CdAs2 and ZnAs2 in the minimum-gap region and
for the formation of donor levels in CdAs2.