Patent ID: 8493649

Claim:
A method for producing CdSiP 2 crystals comprising the steps of: (a) vacuum sealing cadmium (Cd), silicon (Si), and phosphorous (P) in an ampoule in a molar ratio of approximately Cd:Si:P=1:1:2, not including any excess quantities added so as to account for a vapor phase above a melt, the Cd and Si being physically mixed at a first end of the ampoule and the P being located at a second end of the ampoule; (b) heating the ampoule so that the Cd and the Si are maintained at a hot zone temperature at least near the melting point of CdSiP 2 while the P is maintained at a cold zone temperature sufficient to cause the P to volatilize and react with the Cd and the Si forming a CdSiP 2 compound; and (c) cooling the CdSiP 2 compound so as to achieve directional solidification forming a CdSiP 2 crystal.