The EFG (Edge Defined, Film-Fed Growth) Growth and Application of Small Diameter Sapphire Crystals with Rod and Tubular Shapes,

Small diameter sapphire crystals with rod or tubular shapes have been grown by the EFG Edge defined, Film-fed Growth method. The effect of the growth technique on the perfection of a crystal has also been investigated, leading the quality of crystal grown by this method to be comparable to that by the flame fusion method. The tubular crystals have been used in making special light sources, and the growth technique of rod sapphire crystals has been applied in a factory for producing jewel bearings. The EFG method greatly simplifies the technique of processing crystals after growth, and the method of multi-rod EFG growth has also been realized. Therefore the cost of production has been lowered, achieving a better economical efficiency.