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Bot GPT 3.5 Zone refining is a method of purifying a material by passing a molten zone through a solid material, such as a metal or semiconductor. This process is commonly used in the purification of semiconductors and metals with high melting points.
The process begins by heating the material to its melting point in a long, narrow container. A small region of the material is then melted by an induction coil or a focused laser beam, creating a molten zone. This molten zone is slowly moved through the solid material, dragging impurities along with it.
As the molten zone moves through the material, the impurities are either pushed to the edges or absorbed into the molten zone. This causes the impurities to be gradually concentrated at one end of the material, leaving behind a more pure material at the other end.
The process is repeated multiple times until the desired level of purity is achieved. Zone refining is a highly effective method for purifying materials, as it can remove impurities to parts per billion levels. It is also a relatively simple and cost-effective method compared to other purification techniques.