Directional solidification with vibration in the vertical Bridgman configuration

InSb and InSb-GaSb ingots were directionally solidified in a thermally stable vertical Bridgman crystal growth apparatus. Vibration with frequencies of 10 to 100 Hz and amplitudes of 0.01 to 1 mm was applied to the growth ampoule during directional solidification. Vibration was parallel to Earth's gravity.;InSb ingots were solidified in the vertical Bridgman furnace with an ampoule lowering rate of 8 mm/hr and a furnace axial temperature gradient of 10-15;InSb-GaSb ingots were solidified at an ampoule translation rate of 8 mm/day and a furnace axial temperature gradient of 35;The influence of vibration on the furnace temperature profile, temperature in the melt, and the heat transfer coefficient between the furnace and the charge/ampoule was investigated. No significant change in the furnace temperature profile was observed when vibration was applied to the ampoule. The temperature in the melt near the solid/melt interface increased when vibration was turned on. The radial temperature difference in molten InSb was increased by vibration. The heat transfer coefficient between the furnace and the charge/ampoule increased linearly with acceleration due to vibration.