Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for growing low defect density silicon carbide

US6508880B2 · kind B2 · utility

11Cited by
3References
40Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 14, 2001
Grant dateJan 21, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 14, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T117/1016
  • WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A low defect (e.g., dislocation and micropipe) density silicon carbide (SiC) is provided as well as an apparatus and method for growing the same. The SiC crystal, grown using sublimation techniques, is preferably divided into two stages of growth. During the first stage of growth, the crystal grows in a normal direction while simultaneously expanding laterally. Although dislocations and other material defects may propagate within the axially grown material, defect propagation and generation in the laterally grown material are substantially reduced, if not altogether eliminated. After the crystal has expanded to the desired diameter, the second stage of growth begins in which lateral growth is suppressed and normal growth is enhanced. A substantially reduced defect density is maintained within the axially grown material that is based on the laterally grown first stage material.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.