Edge-defined film-fed growth

Question 1

How is edge-defined film fed growth done?

Answer 1

~ alumina is melted in a crucible. The melt wets the opening of a die and is drawn up by hydrostatic pressure and capillary action

~ a sapphire seed of specific orientation is dipped into the melt on top of the die and drawn out, solidifying into a single crystal of a shape defined by the die (typically tube, rod, or ribbon)

Question 2

Why is this method used?

Answer 2

~ saves the costs of machining final shapes out of boules

Question 3

What are the applications?

Answer 3

~ used to produce the strike face for transparent armor for military vehicles, it is laminated to glass and plastic layers