The scientific aim of this experiment is to study the breakdown of a
planar solid/liquid interface when the growth rate increases from stable to
unstable conditions. To do this, a sample of Germanium doped with Gallium will
be processed during the flight. To perform the experiment, a gradient furnace
was developed in which the growth rate can be controlled along the crystal.
The gradient furnace consists of a ceramic crucible with five heating
elements and a cooler.