Crystal System

The space lattice of ZnSe belongs to the cubic system, and its zinc-blend type structure has a lattice constant of a=0.56676 nm. It also belongs to the hexagonal system, and its wurzite type structure has lattice constants of a=0.398 nm, c=0.653 nm.

Production

The solubility of ZnSe is 0.001 g/100 g H2O (298 K). A single crystal can be grown using the vapor phase method. The single crystal is grown by encapsulating the quartz boat coated by carbon on its inner surface into the quartz tube with Ar gas, and moving the quartz tube in a horizontal direction slowly in the Stockbarger furnace. The pressure of Ar gas reaches about 120 atm. when ZnSe reaches the melting point. A material called Irtran-4 is fabricated by pressing the powder of ZnSe.