This study investigates the growth mode of highly lattice-mismatch (similar to 14%) CdTe self-assembled quantum dots grown on a ZnSe buffer-layer by molecular beam epitaxy. Two growth processes were used to prepare the samples. For the group-I samples, Te and Cd sources were alternately used to deposit a CdTe coverage layer of 0.6 to 8.0 mono-layers on a Zn-stabilized ZnSe buffer layer. The growth process of group-II samples was reversed; that is, the Cd beam was supplied first on a Se-stabilized ZnSe buffer layer. The optical spectra, including the power-dependent, time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) and PL excitation measurement, demonstrate a ZnTe-like and a CdSe-like two-dimensional precursor layer (wetting layer) in the group-I and group-II samples, respectively. Following the formation of the precursor layer, three-dimensional highly strained CdTe quantum dots were formed. Accordingly, the growth of CdTe self-assembled quantum-dot structures was attributed to the quasi-Stranski-Krastanow mode. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.