Numerical and experimental investigation of the removal of Fe impurity during different DS process under axial magnetic field

The effects of axial magnetic field on the different directional solidification (DS) process were studied by using a transient numerical model of heat and mass transfer and corresponding experiments. The shape of melt-crystal (m-c) interface, melt flow morphology, thermal stress and Fe impurity concentration in the crystal for different DS process have been studied. The simulation results indicate that axial magnetic field provided a slight convex m-c interface shape, better flow pattern, lower thermal stress as well as lower Fe impurity concentration throughout the entire DS process. To further verify the simulation results, multi-crystalline silicon (mc-Si) ingots were prepared and testing were carried out. The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulation results. The experimental results show that a slight convex m-c interface shape was obtained, and the Fe impurity concentration in the middle area of the ingot was lower and higher minority carrier lifetime could be achieved by using the axial magnetic field. •The removal of Fe impurity during different DS process under axial magnetic field was studied.•The magnetic field was beneficial for obtaining slightly convex m-c interface, lower melt velocity and thermal stress.•Lower Fe impurity concentration and higher minority carrier lifetime could be achieved under magnetic field.