Analysis of the molten zone in the growth of the Al2O3-ZrO2(Y2O3) eutectic by the laser floating zone technique

In this work a study of the floating zone during the growth of bars of Al2O3-ZrO2(Y2O3) by the laser floating zone technique is presented. The axial thermal gradient in the solidification interface has been calculated and compared with the experimental one of 6.5*10(5) K/m. For this calculation the coefficients of heat transference during the solidification process have been determined. The floating zone profile has been also studied and the maximum stable length for the zone determined, verifying the stability criterion established by some authors. The study is completed with an estimation of the laser power necessary to carry out the growth. This value is compared with the measured one during the growth of 2 mm diameter bars.