Analysis of crystal-meniscus system behaviour under Czochralski crystal growth

On the basis of a simple model of Czochralski crystal growth method, a theo retical analysis of crystal-meniscus system behaviour has been carried out. It has been shown that in a finite radius crucible, mutual influence of cr ystal radius and meniscus height leads to the possibility of their autoosci llation. The dependence of autooscillation characteristics on crystal growt h model parameters has been analysed. It has been shown that the amplitude of autooscillations decreases with the increase of crystal radius/crucible radius ratio. Numerical estimations for LEC GaAs crystal growth have been m ade. The problems of crystal radius control in this connection are discusse d. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.