AbstractThe absorption of SnSe single crystal is studied near the absorption edge at 95 and 295 K in polarized light for ϵ |aand ϵ |b, whereaandbare crystallographic axes within the cleavage plane. Two indirect transitions (0.907 and 1.01 eV at 295 K) are identified for both orientations and a first direct transition for ϵ |bwithE0d= 1.051 eV and for ϵ |awithE1d= 1.236 eV as well, all at 295 K. The temperature coefficients of all transitions are determined also within the range of 95 to 295 K. Also is suggested the interpretation of these results considering the band structure of SnSe given in the literat