Development of a Process for the Growth of Large Sheets of Single Crystal Aluminum Oxide

摘要

The objective of this development program was to use the Bridgman process for the growth of single crystal aluminum oxide in plate form for transparent armor applications. A furnace design was established and testing was carried out on both power and control circuits. A number of growth runs were made to establish the correct operating conditions for crystal growth within a shaped crucible. Successful growth of good quality single crystals was achieved although more work is required to obtain large size under reproducible conditions. (Author)