Induction-Heated Molten Zone Crystal Growth Without Crucibles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing crystals, such as those using silicon carbide, gallium nitride, and gallium oxide, face challenges in achieving stable crystallinity, growth rate, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in industrial-scale production, due to the need for large and expensive crucibles.

Innovation Solution

A production device and method utilizing high-frequency induction heating with a high-frequency induction-heating coil to form a molten zone, controlling the width and frequency of the molten zone, and maintaining a specific positional relationship to achieve efficient crystal growth, eliminating the need for costly crucibles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a large crucible is used to increase crystal size, then the crystal production capacity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to expensive crucible materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrystal sizeVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the crucible from the crystal growth system by using a crucibleless induction heating method. The raw material is heated directly by electromagnetic induction without requiring a crucible container, thereby removing the cost factor associated with expensive crucible materials while maintaining the ability to produce large-sized crystals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical crucible-based heating system with an electromagnetic induction heating system. Instead of using a physical crucible to contain and heat the material, the system uses a induction heating coil to generate electromagnetic fields that directly heat the raw material, eliminating the need for crucible materials and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the crucible size is increased to produce larger crystals, then the crystal production scale is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrystal production scaleVSAvoidcrucible material requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The induction heating coil serves multiple functions: it heats the raw material, controls the temperature distribution, and enables precise control of the crystal growth process. This multi-functional approach replaces the traditional crucible system that required separate components for containment, heating, and temperature control, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If conventional heating methods are used, then the equipment simplicity is maintained, but the crystal growth rate and quality are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidcrystal growth rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces conventional thermal heating methods with electromagnetic induction heating. The induction heating coil generates high-frequency electromagnetic fields that induce eddy currents in the raw material, producing rapid and uniform heating. This substitution dramatically improves crystal growth rate and quality while maintaining relatively simple equipment structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the heating parameters by using high-frequency electromagnetic fields instead of conventional low-frequency thermal heating. The high-frequency induction heating enables rapid temperature rise and precise temperature control, which significantly accelerates crystal growth rate and improves crystal quality without requiring complex equipment modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the production of high-quality crystals in an industrially advantageous manner, reducing costs and improving crystallinity and growth rates.

Implementation Method 1

forming a molten zone of a raw material solution by using high-frequency induction heating with a high-frequency induction-heating coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh-frequency induction heating: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

forming a molten zone of a raw material solution by using high-frequency induction heating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP4671418A1Production device and production method

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 C&A CORP

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AI summary

[Problem] To provide a production device and a production method capable of producing a crystal in an industrially advantageous manner. [Solution] A production device for a crystal, including at least a high-frequency induction-heating coil, the production device being configured to form a molten zone of a raw material solution by using high-frequency induction heating, and produce a crystal by crystal growth in a longitudinal direction of the molten zone, wherein a width of the molten zone satisfies the following Formula (1): wherein D represents the width (cm) of the molten zone, p represents a resistivity (µΩcm) of the raw material solution, µ represents a relative permeability of the raw material solution, and F represents a frequency (Hz) of the high-frequency induction-heating coil. D2>5.03ρ/μF