Existence and shapes of menisci in detached Bridgman growth

• Published in: Journal of crystal growth Vol. 321; no. 1; pp. 29 - 35
• Main Authors: Volz, M.P., Mazuruk, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.04.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: A2. Bridgman technique; A2. Detached growth; A2. Growth from melt; A2. Microgravity conditions; B2. Semiconducting germanium; Bond number; Bridgman method; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Crucibles; Crystal growth; Crystals; Detaching; Exact sciences and technology; Growth from melts; zone melting and refining; Growth in microgravity environments; Materials science; Mathematical analysis; Methods of crystal growth; physics of crystal growth; Physics; Theory and models of crystal growth; physics of crystal growth, crystal morphology and orientation; Walls; A2. Bridgman technique; A2. Microgravity conditions; B2. Semiconducting germanium; A2. Detached growth; A2. Growth from melt; Crystal growth; Semiconductor materials; Crucibles; Contact angle; Gallium phosphide; Liquid meniscus; Growth mechanism; Germanium; Growth from melt; Microgravity; Differential pressure; Bridgman method; Crystal growth from melts
• ISSN: 0022-0248; 1873-5002
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2011.02.035

In detached Bridgman growth, the crystal radius is less than the crucible radius and a meniscus bridges the gap between the crystal and crucible wall. Existence of detached growth depends upon the contact angle of the melt with the crucible wall, the growth angle of the solidifying crystal, the pressure differential across the meniscus, and the Bond number. The Young–Laplace capillary equation is used to calculate the crystal radii of detached states as a function of the pressure differential across the meniscus. Both terrestrial and microgravity conditions are considered. A variety of solution states is found, and multiple solutions with different crystal radii can exist for a given value of the pressure differential. The meniscus shapes for the detached states vary from simply convex or concave to shapes with numerous inflections. An approximate solution to the Young–Laplace equation for small Bond numbers is derived.