Phase equilibria in the YbTe–SnTe–PbTe system have been studied using differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and emf measurements on YbTe concentration cells. We have mapped out a number of vertical sections, the 400-K isothermal section of the YbTe–SnTe–PbTe phase diagram, and projections of its liquidus and solidus surfaces. The results demonstrate that the system is characterized by the formation of a continuous series of high-temperature solid solutions with a cubic structure (NaCl type), which undergo decomposition below ~1050 K. At room temperature, the YbTe solubility in the Sn_{1 – x}Pb_xTe solid solution system is ~33–35 mol %, whereas the extent of the YbTe-based solid solution series does not exceed 3 mol %.

“Phase Equilibria and Decomposition of Solid Solutions in the YbTe–SnTe–PbTe System” Z. S. Aliev, G. I. Ibadova, S. Z. Imamaliyeva, Yu. A. Yusibov, and M. B. Babanly. “Inorganic Materials” 2017, Vol. 53, No. 8, pp. 797–803.