Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing crystal ribbon from a liquid melt by the EFG technique includes the use of a die having a capillary feed passage adjacent the ribbon pulling mechanism and gas scrubbing passages on each side of the capillary feed passage. Thus, gas entrapped in the liquid melt can diffuse through the gas scrubbing passages to minimize the presence of microvoids in the ribbon. In a particular embodiment, the capillary die can include lateral communicating passages between the capillary feed passage and the gas scrubbing passage so that gas in the capillary feed passage can diffuse out to the gas scrubbing passage.

Abstract: The thermal profile at the top of an EFG die is improved by including heat radiation deflectors within the crucible to change the level of radiation heating experienced by at least some portions of the die.

Abstract: A crucible for containing a melt and die for EFG growth of sapphire is supported by a pyrolytic graphite crucible support plate having the C axis of the pyrolytic graphite perpendicular to the bottom of the crucible which is supported by the plate. This thermally insulates the crucible from the pedestal which supports the support plate.