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In situ observation and interferometric characterization of solid–liquid interface morphology in directionally growing transparent model systems
Author(s) -
Jamgotchian H.,
Bergeon N.,
Benielli D.,
Voge P.,
Billia B.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of microscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.569
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1365-2818
pISSN - 0022-2720
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2818.2001.00900.x
Subject(s) - interferometry , directional solidification , materials science , optics , crucible (geodemography) , characterization (materials science) , convection , perpendicular , microstructure , lens (geology) , transverse plane , coupling (piping) , mechanics , composite material , physics , nanotechnology , chemistry , geometry , computational chemistry , mathematics , structural engineering , engineering
The performance of a new directional solidification device dedicated to the characterization of solid–liquid interface morphology by means of optical methods is presented in this paper. In contradiction to usual solidification studies on transparent materials carried out on thin films, which eliminates the complex coupling between solidification and convection, this device enables in situ and real time studies on bulk transparent materials. The alloy is contained in a cylindrical crucible and observation is performed in two perpendicular directions: the growth one and the transverse one. In addition to direct observation by light transmission in those directions, an interferometer is also set up in the growth direction to provide information on the shape and the motion of the interface through an analysis of the interferometer fringes. The combined determination of solidification front characteristics by these three observation modes has already given critical information on interface dynamics: front recoil measurements during initial transient, formation of microstructure patterns, and influence of convection on the triggering of instabilities.