Single crystals and methods for fabricating same

USRE43469E1 · kind E1 · reissue

Assignee

• SAINT-GOBAIN CERAMICS & PLASTICS, INC. · US

Inventors

• John Walter Locher · Amherst, US
• Steven Anthony Zanella · Dublin, US
• Ralph Lampson MacLean, JR. · Manchester, US
• Herbert Ellsworth Bates · Amherst, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 21, 2009
• Grant date: Jun 12, 2012
• Expiry date: Oct 21, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

Various single crystals are disclosed including sapphire. The single crystals have desirable geometric properties, including a width not less than about 15 cm and the thickness is not less than about 0.5 cm. The single crystal may also have other features, such as a maximum thickness variation, and as-formed crystals may have a generally symmetrical neck portion, particularly related to the transition from the neck to the main body of the crystal. Methods and for forming such crystals and an apparatus for carrying out the methods are disclosed as well.