Numerical Simulation of the Dissolution Process of GaSb into InSb Melt under Normal and Microgravity Conditions

DOI Web Site 1 Citations

Abstract

Temperature Gradient Growth experiments of InxGa1-xSb will be performed on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2012. In the GaSb/InSb/GaSb-sandwich system used, before growth, the dissolution process of GaSb into InSb takes place during the formation of the growth solution (melt). Solutal mass transport occurring during dissolution plays a significant role. In crystal growth on Earth, the large difference between the densities of InSb and GaSb leads to gravitational segregation in the melt and axial non-uniformity in crystal composition. In addition, the large separation between the liquidus and solidus curves in the phase diagram of this system further contributes to compositional non-uniformity. In order to have a better understanding for the effect of gravity on solutal transport during in this system, the dissolution process was numerically simulated under both Earth’s gravity and a microgravity level on the ISS. Numerical simulations showed that under Earth’s gravity, dissolution of the GaSb seed was enhanced due to the contribution of solutal natural convection. However, under microgravity diffusion mass transport was dominant in the melt, and the contribution of natural convection was not significant.

Journal

Citations (1)*help

See more

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top