摘要 |
In a compound semiconductor crystal growth process, the crucible (11) that contains the semiconductor melt is contacted on its opposite surface by a material (26) which, when melted, reacts with the crucible. The reacting material is melted along with the compound semiconductor material and thereafter reacts with the wall (24) of the crucible that contains the semiconductor melt. During the entire growth process, the wall is sufficiently thick to separate the reacting material from the compound semiconductor material, but is sufficiently thin that the reacting material significantly weakens its structural integrity. As a consequence, thermal stresses resulting from differential contraction of the compound semiconductor material and the wall during the cooling step are relieved by fracture of the crucible wall. |