Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method which can accelerate crystallization of a biological macromolecule such as protein. A plurality of solution storage parts are formed on a silicon substrate whose valence electrons are controlled by controlling the concentration and/or the type of impurity. These solution storage parts are connected with each other by passages. The storage part is made to hold a buffer solution containing molecules of protein or the like to be crystallized. The storage parts are also made to hold solutions capable of accelerating crystallization of protein or the like respectively. These solutions are shifted to the solution storage part through the passages for preparing a mixed solution in a different ratio in each storage part. Thus, different conditions for crystallization can be simultaneously formed in a short time with a small amount of sample. A crystal of protein or the like is grown in the storage part holding the mixed solution.

Abstract: This invention provides a apparatus and a method of pulling up single crystals, which respond to the weight increase of semiconductor single crystal produced by the CZ method. The retaining wire wind-up mechanisms 11, 12; multiple pairs of guide pipes 4a, 4c capable of being moved upward or downward with respect to the seed holder 1; and a plurality of retaining wires 13, 15, each retaining wire passing through one pair of the guide pipes and having its central portion to be bent into a "U" shape are provided in the central portion of the lifting wire 5. The single crystal 17 can be retained by the retaining wire 13, 15, if the guide pipes 4a, 4c are driven to move downward and the "U" shaped portions of the retaining wires 13, 15 are driven to engage with the necked portion 17b so as to lift single crystal 17. The load is determined based on the detected value coming from the weight sensors installed on the means for winding up the retaining wires.