Nanoscale distortions of the lattice of a ZnSe crystal doped with 3d elements

The structure of semiconductor crystals Zn 1-x V x 2+ Se (x = 0.0018) and Zn 1-x Cr x 2+ Se (x = 0.0006) was studied for the first time using thermal neutron diffraction at 300 and 120 K. The diffraction patterns of the crystals were revealed to contain diffuse scattering regions near the Bragg reflections of the initial cubic lattice. The experimental results are discussed in combination with earlier obtained data on neutron diffraction and propagation of ultrasonic waves in Zn 1-x Ni x 2+ Se (x = 0.0025) and Zn 1-x Cr x 2+ Se (x = 0.0029). The diffuse scattering is shown to be due to nanoscale shear strains of the ZnSe lattice. The character of these strains is determined by Jahn-Teller 3d ions. © 2007 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.Russian Academy of Medical Sciences: 02.452.11.7004, 23/06ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This work was supported by the program of the Department of Physical Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences “Neutron Studies of Material Structure and Fundamental Properties of Matter” (contract no. 23/06) and state contract no. 02.452.11.7004