Conditions for single-crystal formation during bridgman growth

The microstructure of IV–VI crystals grown by varying the shape of the conical bottom of a ampoule, the melt superheating ΔT⁺ with respect to the liquidus temperature of a blend, the axial temperature gradient in a furnace ΔT, and the pulling rate of a ampoule v were studied. It was found that the nucleation of a single-crystal seed is most likely under the following conditions: ΔT ≤ 20 K/cm, ΔT⁺ < 30 K, and v < 0.4 mm/h. The conical bottom of a ampoule should have walls of constant thickness. The principle of geometric selection of a single-crystal seed is not efficient. The obtained results are discussed with regard to data on the structure and behavior of IV–VI melts upon heating and cooling.