Three-dimensional analysis of Marangoni flow and radial segregation in Ge x Si1-x melt with Czochralski configuration

Abstract

In order to examine the flow field and the radial segregation of silicon (Si) in a GexSi1-x melt with an idealized Czochralski (Cz) configuration, we conducted a series of unsteady three-dimensional (3-D) numerical simulations under zero-gravity conditions. The effect of convection driven by surface tension on the free surface of the melt was included in the model, by considering thermal, as well as solutal Marangoni convection. The concentration and flow fields at several stages during crystal growth are presented for several temperature differences, driving the Marangoni convection. The simulation results indicate that the flow and concentration fields are axisymmetric for MaT < 625 and become oscillatory and 3-D for higher values. It was found that the maximum Si concentration difference at the growth interface decreases as thermal Marangoni number increases due to higher flow velocities in the vicinity of the interface. However, temporal fluctuations of Si concentration at the interface increase at higher thermal Marangoni numbers. The effects of aspect ratio (Ar) were also considered in the model. It was found that the aspect ratio of the melt in the crucible has a prominent influence on the flow pattern in the melt which, in turn, effects the Si concentration at the growth interface.