Abstract: The invention comprises an improved method of growing crystalline bodies from a melt. The method involves providing (1) a crucible for containing a melt having a plurality of first and second grooves of capillary size formed in first and second opposite side walls thereof respectively, and enlargements at the upper ends of the slots for facilitating crystal growth, (2) a feed cavity associated with the crucible for receiving solid source material for replenishing the melt, and (3) a passageway between the feed cavity and the crucible for transmitting melted source material to the crucible so as to replenish the melt in the crucible. A plurality of ribbons are formed by positioning a seed between each pair of first and second grooves, contacting the seeds with the melt, and then withdrawing the seeds vertically out of the crucible.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method is disclosed for use in a system for growing a hollow tubular body of crystalline material by growing the body from the end of a die member, whereby the hollow tubular body can be cut lengthwise along predetermined lines of the body to provide separate crystalline bodies. The apparatus comprises means (preferably in the form of notches provided in the die end of the die member from which the hollow body is grown) for concentrating stress in the hollow tubular body along the predetermined lines as the body is pulled from the die end. The method comprises the steps of (a) growing the tube from a die end of a die member so that stress is concentrated in the tube along predetermined lines as the tube is grown; and (b) cutting the tube along the predetermined lines so as to separate the hollow tube into the plurality of bodies of the crystalline material.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method is disclosed for use in a system for growing a hollow tubular body of crystalline material by growing the body from the end of a die member, whereby the hollow tubular body can be cut lengthwise along predetermined lines of the body to provide separate crystalline bodies. The apparatus comprises means (preferably in the form of notches provided in the die end of the die member from which the hollow body is grown) for concentrating stress in the hollow tubular body along the predetermined lines as the body is pulled from the die end. The method comprises the steps of (a) growing the tube from a die end of a die member so that stress is concentrated in the tube along predetermined lines as the tube is grown; and (b) cutting the tube along the predetermined lines so as to separate the hollow tube into the plurality of bodies of the crystalline material.

Abstract: Apparatus for growing hollow tubular crystalline bodies from the melt includes, in a preferred embodiment, a capillary die of the desired shape, a seed holder having a cross section of similar shape and to which a plurality of elongate seeds may be attached, and an inner after heater of substantially similar shape but smaller size supported from the die by an inner radiation shield.

Abstract: Apparatus for growing hollow tubular crystalline bodies from the melt includes, in a preferred embodiment, a capillary die of the desired shape, a seed holder having a cross section of similar shape and to which a plurality of elongate seeds may be attached, and an inner after heater of substantially similar shape but smaller size supported from the die by an inner radiation shield.

Abstract: The invention is an improved apparatus for use in a system for growing crystalline bodies from the melt. The apparatus is a novel crucible-die in which the crucible forms an integral part of the die.