Micro-pulling-down

Crystallization
Crystallization
Fundamentals
	Crystal; Crystal structure; Nucleation;
Concepts
	Crystallization; Crystal growth; Recrystallization; Seed crystal; Protocrystalline; Single crystal;
Methods and technology
	Boules; Bridgman–Stockbarger method; Van Arkel–de Boer process; Czochralski method; Epitaxy; Flux method; Fractional crystallization; Fractional freezing; Hydrothermal synthesis; Kyropoulos method; Laser-heated pedestal growth; Micro-pulling-down; Shaping processes in crystal growth; Skull crucible; Verneuil method; Zone melting;
	v; t; e;

The micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method is a crystal growth technique based on continuous transport of the melted substance through micro-channel(s) made in a crucible bottom. Continuous solidification of the melt is progressed on a liquid/solid interface positioned under the crucible. In a steady state, both the melt and the crystal are pulled-down with a constant (but generally different) velocity.

Many different types of crystal are grown by this technique, including Y₃Al₅O₁₂, Si, Si-Ge, LiNbO₃, α-Al₂O₃, Y₂O₃, Sc₂O₃, LiF, CaF₂, BaF₂, etc.^[1]^[2]

Crystal growth routine

Standard routine procedure used in the growth of most of μ-PD crystals is well developed. The general stages of the growths include:^[3]

Charging of the crucible with starting materials (mixture of powders)
Heating of the crucible until starting materials in the crucible are completely melted
Upward displacement of the seed until its contact with the meniscus or crucible
Formation of the meniscus and partial melting of the seed top
Correction of the shape of the meniscus through appropriate adjustment of crucible temperature and position of the seed crystal
Crystal growth through pulling of the seed in downward direction
Separation of the as grown crystal from the meniscus
Cooling of the system (including the crystal and the crucible) to room temperature

References

^ Fukuda, Tsuguo; Chani, Valery I (2007). T. Fukuda; V.I. Chani (eds.). Shaped Crystals: Growth by Micro-Pulling-Down Technique. Berlin: Springer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-540-71294-7.
^ Yoshikawa, A.; Nikl, M.; Boulon, G.; Fukuda, T. (2007). "Challenge and study for developing of novel single crystalline optical materials using micro-pulling-down method". Opt. Mater. 30 (1): 6–10. Bibcode:2007OptMa..30....6Y. doi:10.1016/j.optmat.2006.10.030.
^ Kral, Robert. "Development of micro-pulling-down method for growth of oxide and halide single crystals" (PDF). Institute of Physics CAS.

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[1] Fukuda, Tsuguo; Chani, Valery I (2007). T. Fukuda; V.I. Chani (eds.). Shaped Crystals: Growth by Micro-Pulling-Down Technique. Berlin: Springer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-540-71294-7.

[2] Yoshikawa, A.; Nikl, M.; Boulon, G.; Fukuda, T. (2007). "Challenge and study for developing of novel single crystalline optical materials using micro-pulling-down method". Opt. Mater. 30 (1): 6–10. Bibcode:2007OptMa..30....6Y. doi:10.1016/j.optmat.2006.10.030.

[3] Kral, Robert. "Development of micro-pulling-down method for growth of oxide and halide single crystals" (PDF). Institute of Physics CAS.

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Crystal growth routine

See also

References