A constant-speed lowering mechanism for the crucibles

The crystal growth characteristics of a certain material can be considerably influenced by the strain present in the growing crystal. Strain can be induced in various ways. One of the most common methods always presents in industrial processes, where attrition processes are always accompanied by generation of mechanical strain in a newly formed small crystal fragment obtained by mechanical stressing during preparation and handling. For this purpose, we have developed an apparatus which comprises a specially designed constant, special lowering device. The system was constructed for use with a Bridgeman furnace made in the laboratory for the crystal growth. The apparatus has been used with a variety of growth assemblies to grow crystals of materials with melting points in the range of 100-1000°C.