CRUCIBLE SEMICONDUCTOR INTERACTIONS DURING CRYSTAL-GROWTH FROM THE MELT IN-SPACE

We present the results of three recent space experiments of solidification of GaInSb alloys, namely on board of TEXUS 31 and 32, Spacelab D2 and EURECA, focusing our attention on the interactions between sample and crucible. Observation of the surface morphology of the samples leads to the conclusion that the dewetting theory agrees well with the experimental results obtained in rough crucibles but that other effects may have an influence on the shape of the samples. Metallographic analysis of the samples show that when dewetting occurs, the crystalline quality of the sample is enhanced. Some practical recommendations are drawn in order to better design the growth of semiconductor crystals in rough crucibles in space.