Hidden but important parameters in Ga/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P cell growth

Despite their best intentions, authors often omit from publications many important technical details. These omissions can lead to contradictions in the literature and inhibit researchers' abilities to duplicate published results. Here, the authors explore "hidden" parameters that are usually not reported, either because they are unknown (e.g., impurity levels) or because they are considered to be of little importance. Specifically, they focus on the effects-and how to reduce the effects-of growth parameters in nearby layers (diffusion), impurities (oxygen) and the cool-down atmosphere (hydrogen passivation).