II–VI Semiconductor Materials (ZnSe, ZnS, ZnTe, CdSe, CdS) 

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Order II–VI Materials Online

Browse available II–VI wafers and optical substrates in our store. Choose your diameter, polish, coating, and quantity — then order online in minutes.

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Popular Use Cases

  • ZnSe — CO2 (10.6 µm) optics, thermal imaging windows
  • ZnS — Multi-spectral VIS–IR optics, rugged windows
  • ZnTe — Nonlinear / THz generation, EO devices
  • CdSe — Photodetectors, PV, quantum dot research
  • CdS — Window/buffer layers, acousto-optics

Spec Tips for Quotes

  • Diameter (or window size) and thickness
  • Polish (SSP/DSP) and roughness target
  • Coating type and wavelength band (e.g., 3–5 µm, 8–12 µm)
  • Edge specs (bevel, chamfer) and quantity
  • Any bow/warp/flatness tolerances

Handling & Safety

  • Handle with gloves; avoid abrasion on polished faces
  • Store dry in protective cases; clean with approved solvents only
  • Follow EHS procedures for cadmium-containing materials (CdS, CdSe)

II–VI Materials Overview

II–VI semiconductors such as ZnSe, ZnS, ZnTe, CdSe, and CdS offer wide bandgaps, excellent infrared/visible transparency, and tunable electronic/optical properties for IR optics, lasers, detectors, acousto-optics, and thin-film device research. UniversityWafer supplies wafers, windows, and diced pieces in research and production quantities with fast turnaround.

Materials We Provide

  • Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) — IR-transparent, common for CO2 (10.6 µm) optics and thermal imaging windows.
  • Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) — Broad transmission (VIS–IR); available multi-spectral grades for rugged optics.
  • Zinc Telluride (ZnTe) — Nonlinear/THz generation, electro-optic and mid-IR applications.
  • Cadmium Selenide (CdSe) — Direct bandgap; detectors, photovoltaics, quantum dot research.
  • Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) — Window/buffer layers, photodetectors, acousto-optics.

Optical & Electronic Highlights

  • Transmission: VIS to LWIR depending on composition and grade (e.g., ZnSe in MW/LWIR).
  • Bandgaps: Wide/direct bandgaps enable high damage threshold and efficient emission/absorption control.
  • Refractive Index: High n for compact optics; AR/HR coatings available on request.
  • Nonlinear & EO: ZnTe, CdS/CdSe support electro-optic/nonlinear effects and THz sources.

Common Formats & Specs

  • Forms: Wafers, optical windows, substrates, and diced pieces.
  • Diameters: 1–3″ typical (custom on request); thickness to spec.
  • Finish: Optical polish (SSP/DSP), epi-friendly surfaces, flats/notch per order.
  • Grades: Research, optical, multi-spectral, and device-grade options.
  • Tolerances: Bow/warp/roughness controlled to application needs.

Applications

  • IR imaging windows, CO2 laser optics, thermal cameras.
  • Electro-optic and nonlinear devices, THz generation/detection.
  • Photodetectors, photovoltaics, and quantum dot structures.
  • Acousto-optic modulators/deflectors, beam combiners, and filters.

Surface Preparation & Coatings

  • Optical polish for low scatter and high transmission.
  • Epi-ready options for thin-film growth and device stacks.
  • Coatings (AR/HR/durability) available for VIS–MWIR–LWIR bands.

Handling & Safety

Handle with gloves in clean environments to prevent surface damage. Cadmium-containing materials (CdS, CdSe) require appropriate EHS precautions and compliant waste disposal. Store in dry cases; avoid abrasion on polished faces.

Ordering Checklist

  • Material (ZnSe, ZnS, ZnTe, CdSe, CdS) and grade (optical/research/device).
  • Form factor (wafer/window/piece), diameter and thickness.
  • Surface finish (SSP/DSP), roughness target, flats/notch.
  • Coating requirements (AR/HR/band), transmission band of interest.
  • Quantity, packaging, and any special tolerances (bow/warp).

Get a Fast Quote

Send your spec or order online. We can recommend a material/grade and coating stack based on wavelength, damage threshold, and device needs.