Abstract: The present technology provides a devitrification agent for crucibles with improved efficiency over previous devitrification agents for use in various technological fields, including semiconductors and photovoltaic applications. The devitrification agent may include (a) barium, and (b) tantalum, tungsten, germanium, tin, or a combination of two or more thereof. The devitrification agent may be integrated into a crucible during construction, applied to the surface of a finished crucible, and/or added into the silicon melt used in crystal pull. The technology described herein, improves sag resistance and provides a devitrified surface for slower, more controlled dissolution of silica by liquid silicon melt during silicon crystal growth.

Abstract: There is provided a quartz glass article having a surface treated with novel coating materials which provides a reduced chemistry, wherein the quartz glass surface having a reduced chemistry upon exposure to melted silicon or similarly corrosive environments, forms crystalline structures covering at least 30% of the coated surface of the quartz glass crucible. Said crystalline covered surface provides a more stable surface of contact with the silicon melt and the growth of single crystal silicon. In one embodiment of the invention, the coating material comprises at least a methyl group for providing at least one of a hydrogenated and a methylated surface on the coated surface, forming rosette structures, or other crystalline morphologies covering at last 80% of the coated surface. In another embodiment of the invention, the coating material is selected from at least one of an amine, an organosilane halogen and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a quartz glass article having a surface treated with novel coating materials which provides a reduced chemistry, wherein the quartz glass surface having a reduced chemistry upon exposure to melted silicon or similarly corrosive environments, forms crystalline structures covering at least 30% of the coated surface of the quartz glass crucible. Said crystalline covered surface provides a more stable surface of contact with the silicon melt and the growth of single crystal silicon. In one embodiment of the invention, the coating material comprises at least a methyl group for providing at least one of a hydrogenated and a methylated surface on the coated surface, forming rosette structures, or other crystalline morphologies covering at last 80% of the coated surface. In another embodiment of the invention, the coating material is selected from at least one of an amine, an organosilane halogen and mixtures thereof.