Crystal Research and Technology
Cryst. Res. Technol. 38, 734 (2003) - Abstract -

An emulation system for melting zone semiconductor single crystal growth in space

Chaorong Li, Pewen Ge, Yuzhang Pang, Yongliang Zhai, Chongru Huo, Yude Yu, Zhenhe Zhu*

Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
*Department of Physics, Central University for Nationalities, Beijing 100081, China

Keywords crystal growth, microgravity, semiconductors
PACS 81.10.Mx
DOI 10.1002/crat.200310088

In situ monitoring and controlling the space experiments is an effective method to enhance the success probabilities of space experiments. A system to emulate the monitoring and controlling process of the semiconductor crystal growth by melting-zone in space has been built up. The system mainly contains three parts, that are a remote crystal growth furnace, a numerical simulation software package and local controlling and displaying center. The temperature distribution data of the furnace were transmitted to the ground control center for the numerical simulation program as the boundary conditions. The crystal growth process and crystal growth parameters including crystal growth rate, the width of melting-zone, the shape of the interfaces between crystal and melt, and the temperature gradient at the interface, etc. will be calculated with the simulation program. The theoretical calculation results of the crystal growth process will be then clearly displayed on the ground control terminal with image technique. The growth parameters were also displayed on the screen. Scientists can in situ observe the experiment progress. If the experiment process deviate from the programmed profile, the central control terminal can adjust the heating program of the space furnace to fulfill the requirements. The whole system can successfully emulate the crystal growth process.




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