Abstract: A Czochralski process (“CZ”) crystal growth method and furnace having a heater capable of generating a heating zone, a crucible within the heating zone and capable of retaining a volume of molten crystal growth material forming a melt line oriented in a designated position within the heating zone, a seed growth rod retractable from the crucible with a rod retraction mechanism, for forming a crystal boule thereon proximal the melt line from the molten crystal growth material. The furnace causes relative movement between the crucible and heating zone as the crystal boule is retracted, so that the melt line is maintained in the designated position within the heating zone. In some embodiments relative movement is based at least in part on sensed weight of the growing crystal boule. In other embodiments the crucible growth rod retraction mechanism are fixed relative to each other by a gantry.

Abstract: A lid for a crystal growth chamber crucible is constructed by forming arcuate sector-shaped portions and coupling them in abutting relationship, for example by welding, to form an annular profile fabricated lid. The arcuate sector-shaped portions may be formed and removed from a lid fabrication blank with less waste than when unitary annular lids are formed and removed from a similarly sized fabrication blank. For example, the sector-shaped portions may be arrayed in an undulating pattern on the fabrication sheet.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a detector or light guide using laser technology. The method yields a detector component such as a scintillator, light guide or optical sensor which provides for the internal manipulation of light waves via the strategic formation of micro-voids to enhance control and collection of scintillation light, allowing for accurate decoding of the impinging radiation. The method uses laser technology to create micro-voids within a target media to optically segment the media. The micro-voids are positioned to define optical boundaries of the optically-segmented portions forming virtual resolution elements within the scintillator. Each micro-void is formed at its selected location using a laser source. The laser source generates and focuses a beam of light into the target media sequentially to form the micro-voids. The laser beam ablates the media at the focal point, thereby yielding the micro-void.

Abstract: A monolithic spectrometer is disclosed for use in spectroscopy. The spectrometer is a single body of translucent material with positioned surfaces for the transmission, reflection and spectral analysis of light rays.