Abstract: A method for growing a crystal ingot from a melt in a crystal growing system is provided. The system includes a crucible and a barrier disposed within the crucible. The method includes identifying a Peclet number (Pe) with an advective transport rate that is less than a diffusive transport rate, calculating a cross-sectional area of a passage to be formed in the barrier based on the identified Peclet number to allow outward diffusion of impurities through the passage during growth of the crystal ingot, and growing the crystal ingot using the barrier having the passage formed therein.

Abstract: Pulling systems are disclosed for measuring the weight of an object coupled to a first end of a cable. The cable is routed over a pulley suspended from a load cell. The force exerted by the cable on the pulley is used to calculate the weight of the object. The second end of the cable is coupled to a drum which when rotated pulls the object by wrapping the cable around the drum. An arm is coupled to the pulley at one end and to a frame at another end. A path travelled by the cable between the pulley and the drum is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the arm. Horizontal force components are transmitted by the arm to the frame and do not affect a force component measured by the load cell, thus increasing the accuracy of the calculated weight of the object.

Abstract: A system for measuring the weight of an object while pulling the object upward includes a puller having a frame and a cable having a first end coupled to the object and a second end engaging a second cylinder. At least a portion of the cable engages the outer circumferential surface of a first cylinder and the second cylinder. The apparatus also includes an upper arm and an actuator. A force measurement device is coupled to the first cylinder and to the upper arm and measures the weight of the object. The actuator is operable to lower and raise the weight measurement device and the first cylinder. In some embodiments, the position of the cable with respect to the frame may be adjusted by a dampening system or a bushing.

Abstract: A system for measuring the weight of an object while pulling the object upward includes a puller having a frame and a cable having a first end coupled to the object and a second end engaging a second cylinder. At least a portion of the cable engages the outer circumferential surface of a first cylinder and the second cylinder. The apparatus also includes an upper arm and an actuator. A force measurement device is coupled to the first cylinder and to the upper arm and measures the weight of the object. The actuator is operable to lower and raise the weight measurement device and the first cylinder. In some embodiments, the position of the cable with respect to the frame may be adjusted by a dampening system or a bushing.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for pulling an object while measuring the weight of the object. The object is pulled upward using a cable extending over a first cylinder. The cable further extends over a second cylinder. The cable travels along a cable path between an uppermost portion of each of the outer circumferential portions of the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The first cylinder is restrained from movement parallel to the cable path with an arm having a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the first cylinder and the second end is coupled to either the second cylinder or a frame. The weight of the object is measured with a force measurement device. In some embodiments, the position of the cable with respect to the frame may be adjusted by a dampening system or a bushing.

Abstract: Pulling systems are disclosed for measuring the weight of an object coupled to a first end of a cable. The cable is routed over a pulley suspended from a load cell. The force exerted by the cable on the pulley is used to calculate the weight of the object. The second end of the cable is coupled to a drum which when rotated pulls the object by wrapping the cable around the drum. An arm is coupled to the pulley at one end and to a frame at another end. A path traveled by the cable between the pulley and the drum is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the arm. Horizontal force components are transmitted by the arm to the frame and do not affect a force component measured by the load cell, thus increasing the accuracy of the calculated weight of the object.

Abstract: A method and system for use in combination with a crystal growing apparatus for growing a monocrystalline ingot according to a Czochralski process. The crystal growing apparatus has a heated crucible including a semiconductor melt from which the ingot is pulled. The ingot is grown on a seed crystal pulled from the melt. A time varying external magnetic field is imposed on the melt during pulling of the ingot. The magnetic field is selectively adjusted to produce pumping forces in the melt to control a melt flow velocity while the ingot is being pulled from the melt.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a monocrystalline ingot from a semiconductor source material located within a growth chamber as the ingot is grown on a seed crystal according to the Czochralski method. The apparatus comprises a drum, a chuck constructed for holding the seed crystal and the ingot, and a cable having a first end connected to the drum, a second end connected to the chuck and a portion wound around the drum. The portion of the cable wound around the drum exerts a normal force on a circumferential surface of the drum corresponding to the tension in the cable. The drum and cable interact to produce a friction force resisting sliding movement of the cable relative to the drum in a direction lengthwise of the cable. The drum is capable of unwinding cable from the drum thereby to let out the cable and lower the chuck, and capable of winding the cable around the drum thereby to reel in the cable and draw the chuck upwardly.

Abstract: A method of laterally adjusting the position of a pull wire of a crystal pulling machine to dampen pendular motion of the pull wire during production of a monocrystal comprises: placing a close-fitting guide around the pull wire; rotating the pulling chamber about the axis Z.sub.1 to rotate both the pull wire and the monocrystal supported by the pull wire; sensing the lateral position of a portion of the pull wire; adjusting the lateral position of the guide in response to the sensed position of the pull wire to dampen pendular motion of the pull wire during production of a monocrystal.