ESTIMATION OF THE CURVATURE OF THE SOLID-LIQUID INTERFACE DURING BRIDGMAN CRYSTAL-GROWTH

An approximate solution for the solid/liquid interface curvature due t o the crucible effect in crystal growth is derived from simple heat fl ux considerations. The numerical modelling of the problem carried out with the help of the finite element code FIDAP supports the prediction s of our analytical expression and allows to identify its range of val idity. Experimental interface curvatures, measured in gallium antimoni de samples grown by the vertical Bridgman method, are seen to compare satisfactorily to analytical and numerical results. Other literature d ata are also in fair agreement with the predictions of our models in t he case where the amount of heat carried by the crucible is small comp ared to the overall heat flux. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All righ ts reserved.