Abstract: A method of growing in vapor phase a semiconductor crystal layer supplies a reaction gas to a portion above the surface of a heated substrate so as to be parallel or obliquely to the substrate, and uses a transparent blow tube widened toward its blow port like a funnel to blow a pressing gas, which is inert with respect to the reaction gas, toward the substrate, thereby bringing the reaction gas into contact with the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Thin films of cubic boron nitride carbide are provided on an underlying silicon substrate. The cubic boron nitride carbide films are deposited using laser ablation methods. The boron nitride film has a crystallographic lattice constant which can be varied depending upon the desired film composition and processing parameters. Preferably, the resulting thin film composition is characterized by a chemical formula of (BN).sub.1-x C.sub.x where x is about 0.2. The resulting films are particularly suitable for wear resistance and semiconducting applications over a wide range of temperatures.

Abstract: Thin films of single crystal, cubic boron nitride phosphide are provided on, and in crystallographic registry with, an underlying silicon substrate which is oriented along a single crystallographic axis. The cubic boron nitride phosphide films are deposited using laser ablation methods. The boron nitride phosphide film has a crystallographic lattice constant which can be systematically varied depending upon the desired film composition and processing parameters. Preferably, the target, and accordingly the resulting thin film composition, is characterized by a chemical formula of BN.sub.(1-x) P.sub.(x) where x is about 0.23. This particular composition results in a crystallographic lattice constant essentially equal to the single crystal silicon substrate. The film may also have the formula BN1-xPx where x<0.ltoreq.1.