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AssigneeGt Crystal Systems, LLC
InventorsDavid F. Broyer, Hui Zhang, Ning Duanmu, Ian T. Witting
Estimating the term…
According to the disclosed embodiments, an advanced crucible support system is described that allows for greater heat flow to and from the bottom of a crucible, preferably while also preventing excessive heat from reaching a heat exchanger. In particular, a support base is described that includes one or more vents enabling improved heat flow throughout the system. Also, according to one or more additional embodiments, the functionality of the crucible support is adapted to be leveraged by a crucible manipulating device. For example, the support plate may have a plurality of slots for insertion of a “lifting arm”, such that the entire support plate assembly, as well as the crucible itself while on the support assembly, may be lifted and transported as a single unit.
A crystal growth apparatus comprising:
A method of producing a crystalline material comprising:
A sapphire boule formed in a crystal growth apparatus comprising a chamber and a hot zone within the chamber, the hot zone comprising at least one heating system, at least on heat removal system, a crucible containing solid alumina feedstock and at least one monocrystalline sapphire seed, and a crucible support system in contact with an exterior bottom surface of the crucible, the heat removal system comprising a heat exchanger positioned beneath the crucible, wherein the crucible support system comprises a plurality of vents configured to allow heat flow between the heating system and the bottom surface of the crucible.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.