Interface Evolution and Heat-mass Transfer Mechanisms during CaF2 Crystal Growth by the Heat Exchanger-Bridgman Method

doi:10.15541/jim20260179

Abstract

Abstract: Crystal growth is a typical cross-scale process with multi-field coupling, in which the nucleation and phase transition of crystal growth units, as well as the formation and evolution of crystal defects, all occur at the crystal growth interface. Unfortunately, the in-situ observation and accurate characterization of the crystal growth interface remain a core challenge in the field of crystal growth. This results in the current optimization of crystal growth processes still relying on trial and error efforts, which constrains the technological development for the preparation of large-size and low-defect crystals. Aiming at the difficulties in direct observation and the ambiguity of the evolution mechanism of the solid-liquid interface during CaF₂ crystal growth, this study adopts a combined method of in-situ observation and numerical simulation. By utilizing a visualized interfacial heat exchanger-Bridgman crystal growth apparatus, the evolution information regarding the position and morphology of the solid-liquid interface is acquired under a constant main control temperature of 1850 K. Meanwhile, a corresponding numerical simulation model for crystal growth is established to analyze the interfacial evolution process. The results show that the interface position exhibits a stage-wise evolution characterized by downward movement, stabilization, and upward movement, while the interface morphology changes from a concave shape to a convex shape with an intermediate M-shaped transition. The evolution of interface position is mainly governed by the competition between heat absorption at the melt top and heat dissipation through the cylinder sidewall, whereas the evolution of interface morphology is closely related to interface-position variation and melt-flow-structure evolution. Good agreement between in-situ observation and numerical simulation confirms the reliability of the model. These results provide a basis for interface control during CaF₂ crystal growth.

Key words: CaF₂ crystal, heat exchanger-Bridgman method, solid-liquid interface, in-situ observation, numerical simulation

CLC Number:

TQ174

LIU Yang, ZHANG Zhonghan, ZHANG Xiaohui, JIANG Dapeng, KOU Huamin, SU Liangbi. Interface Evolution and Heat-mass Transfer Mechanisms during CaF₂ Crystal Growth by the Heat Exchanger-Bridgman Method[J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, DOI: 10.15541/jim20260179.

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Interface Evolution and Heat-mass Transfer Mechanisms during CaF₂ Crystal Growth by the Heat Exchanger-Bridgman Method

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