In situ Observed Twin Formation on ZnSe Crystals Growing by Sublimation

ZnSe crystals were grown by sublimation in closed ampoules between 1335 K and 1365 K. The growth was observed in situ with a video camera after an abrupt change of the supersaturation. The crystals developed preferably {110} faces. Repeatedly a nucleus was formed in ortho-twin position on a small {111} face which truncated the corner of three adjacent {110} faces. The repeated twin formation led to a preferred growth into the relevant 〈111〉 direction. The twinning already occurred at a low supercooling of less than 1 K and accelerated the growth distinctly.