Vertical gradient freeze growth with external magnetic fields

The Vertical Gradient Freeze (VGF) method is an important technique for the growth of bulk semiconductors from the melt. The structural and electrical properties of the crystals depend on the melt flow which can be influenced by external magnetic fields. By applying an AC field, the flow can be tailored to improve the quality of the crystals and the yield of the growth process. The induced melt flow, however, tends to be time-dependent which might be avoided by combining the AC field with a DC field.