System and method for crystal growing
AssigneeGt Crystal Systems, LLC
InventorsFrederick Schmid, Chandra P. Khattak, David B. Joyce
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
To reduce the heat input to the bottom of the crucible and to control heat extraction independently of heat input, a shield can be raised between a heating element and a crucible at a controlled speed as the crystal grows. Other steps could include moving the crucible, but this process can avoid having to move the crucible. A temperature gradient is produced by shielding only a portion of the heating element; for example, the bottom portion of a cylindrical element can be shielded to cause heat transfer to be less in the bottom of the crucible than at the top, thereby causing a stabilizing temperature gradient in the crucible.
Claims18
A system for growing a crystal from a liquid in a crucible, the system comprising:
- a support structure to support the crucible from below;
- at least one heating element to provide heat to the crucible;
- and
- a heat exchanger to extract heat from the support structure, wherein the heat exchanger includes insulation that is movable away from the support structure.
A method of growing a crystal from a liquid in a crucible, said method comprising:
- heating the crucible with at least one heating element;
- and
- extracting heat from the crucible using a heat exchanger in thermal contact with the crucible,
- wherein the crucible is supported from below by a support structure and wherein the heat exchanger includes insulation that is movable away from the support structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.