An overview is given on the crystal growth of materials for thin film photovoltaic application such as chalcopyrites, e.g. CuInSe2, and transition metal chalcogenides, e.g. MoS2. In order to study in detail their properties and their applicability as absorber materials high-quality crystals are prepared. Because of solid-solid phase transitions in the chalcopyrite systems the chemical vapor transport technique is useful to grow the crystals below these phase transition temperatures. To grow transition metal chalcogenides, not only halogen but also an excess of chalcogen is used in this technique. The main challenge here is the control of the composition of the gas phase as well as the optimization of the temperature field during the process.

Keywords: Chalcopyrites, Transition metal dichalcogenides, Chemical vapor transport, Bridgman technique