Field-editing technology for quantum materials synthesis using a magnetic field laser furnace
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
InventorGang Cao
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Various embodiments include a device for producing structurally modified materials. In some embodiments, the device includes a floating zone furnace which holds a feed rod in contact with seed crystal. One or more laser diodes are then used to heat a portion of the feed rod and cause it to transition to a molten state. A magnetic field is applied to the floating zone to change the underlying crystal structure of the material as it solidifies upon exiting the floating zone. In some instances, the changes may include manipulating the bond angle of the crystal structure or altering the unit cell volume of the crystal. Changes in the crystal structure directly affect the electrical resistivity and/or the magnetization and other physical properties of the crystal.
Claims19
A method for producing structurally modified crystals, the method comprising:
- focusing light emitted by one or more laser diodes at a floating zone to heat a portion of a feed rod to a molten state within the floating zone while in contact with a seed crystal, wherein the portion of the feed rod comprises a composition of matter having strong spin-orbit interactions and multiple nearly degenerate states;
- applying a magnetic field from a magnet to the floating zone to modify a crystal structure of the portion of the feed rod within the floating zone as the portion of the feed rod solidifies from the molten state to a solid state upon exiting the floating zone;
- and
- insulating the magnet from heat radiated from the floating zone.
A method for producing structurally modified crystals, the method comprising:
- focusing light emitted by one or more laser diodes at a metal crucible within a molten zone to heat material within the metal crucible to a molten state;
- applying a magnetic field from a magnet to the molten zone to modify a crystal structure of the material within the metal crucible as it solidifies as a temperature of the metal crucible is lowered;
- and
- insulating the magnet from heat radiated from the molten zone.
A system for producing structurally modified crystals, wherein the system is configurable to create a molten zone within the system in a first configuration and is configurable to create a floating zone within the system in a second configuration, the system comprising:
- one or more laser diodes configured to apply thermal energy to material within either the floating zone or a metal crucible within the molten zone, transitioning the material to a molten state conducive for crystal growth;
- a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field within the molten zone or the floating zone to modify a crystal structure of the material as the material solidifies from the molten state to a solid state upon exiting the floating zone, or as a temperature of the molten zone is lowered;
- and
- an insulation system comprising a heat sink and one or more passive radiation shields positioned between the molten zone and the magnet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.