Abstract: A digital PLL circuit comprises a variable-frequency ring oscillator, a frequency divider for frequency-dividing the output signal of the ring oscillator, a phase comparator for comparing the frequency-divided output of the frequency divider with a phase reference signal, and a control signal generator for generating a control signal corresponding to the comparison output of the phase comparator and supplying the control signal to the ring oscillator.

Abstract: A puller and method for crystal growth using the Czochralski technique in which a temperature profile and a history of thermal conditions of a growing crystal is controllable with ease and a good accuracy, which puller comprises a crucible containing raw material, heater for melting by heating the raw material and a heat insulating cylinder surrounding them, the heat insulating cylinder being cross-sectionally divided by an annular separation gap or gaps into parts and which method is applicable to growth of such a single crystal as of silicon, germanium, GaP, GaAs or InP in the puller. Methods for controlling a temperature profile and a history of thermal conditions of a growing crystal using the czochralski technique in the puller.

Abstract: A puller and method for crystal growth using the Czochralski technique in which a temperature profile and a history of thermal conditions of a growing crystal is controllable with ease and a good accuracy, which puller comprises a crucible containing raw material, heater for melting by heating the raw material and a heat insulating cylinder surrounding them, the heat insulating cylinder being cross-sectionally divided by an annular separation gap or gaps into parts and which method is applicable to growth of such a single crystal as of silicon, germanium, GaP, GaAs or InP in the puller. Methods for controlling a temperature profile and a history of thermal conditions of a growing crystal using the czochralski technique in the puller.