Detection of "exotic" dopant-related macrodefects in vapour grown CdTe:Cr single crystals

SEM observation of non-typical macrodefects in the form of needle-like second phase particles in highly doped CdTe:Cr single crystals, grown by the modified physical vapour transport method, was reported. They form regular network parallel to the {111} and {100} planes. In the combined analyses using energy dispersive X-ray profiling and high-angle annular dark-field elemental mapping, it has been determined that the observed needle-like aggregates are composed of Cr-Te intermetallic compound, most probably cadmium doped Cr₃Te₄.