Patent ID: 8778214

Claim:
A composite comprising: (a) a matrix comprising a chalcogenide having the structure MQ, where M is Ge, Sn or Pb and Q is S, Se or Te; and (b) a plurality of inclusions dispersed within the matrix, the inclusions comprising an alkaline earth chalcogenide having the structure AB, where A is an alkaline earth metal element and B is S, Se or Te; wherein the inclusions are endotaxially embedded in the matrix such that at least one of the A sublattice or the B sublattice of the alkaline earth chalcogenide is aligned with at least one of the M sublattice or the Q sublattice of the matrix and further wherein the inclusions have an average diameter of no greater than 150 nm; and wherein the composite is doped with an n-type or p-type dopant.