The experimental study of the alternating magnetic field (AMF) effects on the crystal growth by vertical Bridgman techniques requires modifications of a classical growth set-up. For this purpose, a preliminary evaluation of the appropriate parameters for an efficient electromagnetic stirring with a minimum of heat released in the sample is performed. The magnetic field frequency and intensity are estimated using experimental and theoretical approaches. The thermal field modification in the sample due to the additional quantity of heat released by induction in the melt, near the solid-liquid interface and by Joule effect in the coil is calculated. The solute boundary layer thickness during growth is estimated analytically and is calculated for the elected AMF parameters. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.