Abstract: A method of additive manufacture is disclosed. The method can include providing an enclosure surrounding a powder bed and having an atmosphere including helium gas. A high flux laser beam is directed at a defined two dimensional region of the powder bed. Powder is melted and fused within the defined two dimensional region, with less than 50% by weight of the powder particles being displaced into any defined two dimensional region that shares an edge or corner with the defined two dimensional region where powder melting and fusing occurs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods, devices, and assemblies for processing feedstock materials using microwave plasma processing. Specifically, the feedstock materials disclosed herein pertains to scrap materials, dehydrogenated or non-hydrogenated feed material, and recycled used powder. Microwave plasma processing can be used to spheroidize and remove contaminants. Advantageously, microwave plasma processed feedstock can be used in various applications such as additive manufacturing or powdered metallurgy (PM) applications that require high powder flowability.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods, devices, and assemblies for processing feedstock materials using microwave plasma processing. Specifically, the feedstock materials disclosed herein pertains to scrap materials, dehydrogenated or non-hydrogenated feed material, and recycled used powder. Microwave plasma processing can be used to spheroidize and remove contaminants. Advantageously, microwave plasma processed feedstock can be used in various applications such as additive manufacturing or powdered metallurgy (PM) applications that require high powder flowability.

Abstract: An advanced crucible support system is described that allows for greater heat flow to and from the bottom of a crucible, preferably while also preventing excessive heat from reaching a heat exchanger. In particular, a support base is described that includes a plurality of spaced crown features disposed on the support base plate. The crown features receive and vertically support the crucible and are spaced to support the crucible and to allow heat flow between the plurality of crown features. In doing so, a top surface of spaced crown features are in direct contact with the crucible.

Abstract: According to the disclosed embodiments, an advanced crucible support system is described that allows for greater heat flow to and from the bottom of a crucible, preferably while also preventing excessive heat from reaching a heat exchanger. In particular, a support base is described that includes one or more vents enabling improved heat flow throughout the system. Also, according to one or more additional embodiments, the functionality of the crucible support is adapted to be leveraged by a crucible manipulating device. For example, the support plate may have a plurality of slots for insertion of a “lifting arm”, such that the entire support plate assembly, as well as the crucible itself while on the support assembly, may be lifted and transported as a single unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods that reduce the overall cost of producing a silicon ingot are provided herein. More specifically, one or more surface pieces may be sliced from a silicon boule in relation to a plurality of nodes at a particular orientation. These one or more surface pieces may then be formed into one or more seeds having a specific length, width and thickness usable in a silicon ingot growth process. By utilizing these pieces to form one or more seeds, pieces of a boule which would have been previously discarded may now be used to form high quality seeds for use in a silicon ingot grow process.

Abstract: According to the disclosed embodiments, an advanced crucible support system is described that allows for greater heat flow to and from the bottom of a crucible, preferably while also preventing excessive heat from reaching a heat exchanger. In particular, a support base is described that includes one or more vents enabling improved heat flow throughout the system. Also, according to one or more additional embodiments, the functionality of the crucible support is adapted to be leveraged by a crucible manipulating device. For example, the support plate may have a plurality of slots for insertion of a “lifting arm”, such that the entire support plate assembly, as well as the crucible itself while on the support assembly, may be lifted and transported as a single unit.

Abstract: A method of producing a crystalline product comprising a high percentage by volume monocrystalline material in a crystal growth apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a crucible comprising feedstock and at least one monocrystalline seed, melting the feedstock without substantially melting the monocrystalline seed under controlled conditions, and forming the crystalline product by solidification of the melt also under controlled conditions. The resulting crystalline product comprises greater than 50% by volume monocrystalline material.

Abstract: A high temperature furnace comprising hot zone insulation having at least one shaped thermocouple assembly port to reduce temperature measurement variability is disclosed. The shaped thermocouple assembly port has an opening in the insulation facing the hot zone that is larger than the opening on the furnace shell side of the insulation. A method for producing a crystalline ingot in a high temperature furnace utilizing insulation having a shaped thermocouple assembly port is also disclosed.

Abstract: A high temperature furnace comprising hot zone insulation having at least one shaped thermocouple assembly port to reduce temperature measurement variability is disclosed. The shaped thermocouple assembly port has an opening in the insulation facing the hot zone that is larger than the opening on the furnace shell side of the insulation. A method for producing a crystalline ingot in a high temperature furnace utilizing insulation having a shaped thermocouple assembly port is also disclosed.

Abstract: A high temperature furnace comprising hot zone insulation having at least one shaped thermocouple assembly port to reduce temperature measurement variability is disclosed. The shaped thermocouple assembly port has an opening in the insulation facing the hot zone that is larger than the opening on the furnace shell side of the insulation. A method for producing a crystalline ingot in a high temperature furnace utilizing insulation having a shaped thermocouple assembly port is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for arranging a heating element in a crystal growth apparatus include connecting elements such as heater clips used to interconnect one or more heating components of the heating element, and to connect at least one of the heating components with the crystal growth apparatus. The heating components can be electrically and thermally coupled, and can be connected via the same circuit, in order to simplify control of the heating element.