Single-crystal ingots of CdTe and Cd0,96Zn0.04Te 60–100 mm in
diameter were grown by directional solidification using the self-seeding
technique. The microstructure of the crystals was
checked by optical microscopy, electron microscopy (TEM, SEM and EBIC),
cathodoluminescence, and X-ray diffraction. It was found that crystal
perfection depends to a large measure on the temperature schedule during
Lpostgrowth crystal cooling: special caution should be exercised in the
temperature interval including the polymorphous transformation. A direct
relationship between optical and electronic properties on the one hand
and crystal microstructure on the other hand was established.