String stabilized ribbon growth a method for seeding same
US4689109A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 1984 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC30B15/24
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention is a method of initiating or seeding the growth of a crystalline or polycrystalline ribbon by the String Stabilized Ribbon Growth Method. The method for seeding the crystal growth comprises contacting a melt surface with a seed and two strings used in edge stabilization. The wetted strings attach to the wetted seed as a result of the freezing of the liquid melt. Upon drawing the seed, which is attached to the strings, away from the melt surface a melt liquid meniscus, a seed junction, and a growth interface forms. Further pulling of the attached seed causes a crystal ribbon to grow at the growth interface. The boundaries of the growing ribbon are: at the top the seed junction, at the bottom the freezing boundary of the melt liquid meniscus, and at the edges frozen-in strings.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.