Patent ID: 9109299
Filing Date: 2015-08-18
Classification: C30B

Abstract:
1. A method for solidifying an alloy semiconductor, comprising: using a container that includes a lower section and an upper section, wherein a solid charge is contained in the upper section and a composition-control source material is contained in the lower section, and wherein vapor from the source material can pass from the lower section to the upper section; heating the solid charge to form a melt and to form a melt meniscus extending from a lower surface of the melt to an inner surface of the container, the melt meniscus being in fluid communication with the lower section of the container; releasing a vapor from the composition-control source material and allowing the vapor to flow from the lower section to the upper section, the vapor contacting the melt meniscus and diffusing into the melt; and cooling the melt to progressively crystallize the melt with an upwardly advancing solidification front that interfaces with the melt meniscus, wherein the melt meniscus advances upwardly with the solidification front, wherein the vapor from the composition-control source material continues to contact the upwardly advancing melt meniscus as the melt is progressively crystallized, and wherein the contact of the vapor from the composition-control source material with the melt meniscus affects the composition of the crystal formed at the solidification front.