Effects of temperature asymmetry and tilting in the vertical Bridgman growth of semi-transparent crystals

Three-dimensional convection caused by a slightly tilted crucible and a sma ll deviation from a constant temperature gradient furnace during the vertic al Bridgman growth is analysed using a novel three-dimensional finite-volum e code (STHAMAS 3D). The obtained results show that three-dimensional flow is induced by these deviations from a perfect axisymmetry. It is also shown that these effects are stronger for the semi-transparent materials than fo r the opaque ones. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights r eserved.