PROCESS OF GROWING A SINGLE CRYSTAL UTILIZING DIFFERENCES IN CHEMICAL POTENTIAL

摘要

A single crystal rod is formed by passing a thin liquid alloy zone from a seed crystal through a charge rod at constant temperature and pressure. Passage of the molten zone is effected by utilising the difference in structural energy level between the seed and the charge; but may be reversed by application of an external thermodynamic driving force. The single crystal may be of alumina, grey tin, diamond, or epsilon cobalt. Tin may be alloyed with mercury. The growing surface may be a 111 plane.