Boule (crystal)
A boule is a single-crystal ingot produced by synthetic means.[1]
A boule of
Czochralski process
, which result in a cylindrical rod of material.
In the Czochralski process a seed crystal is required to create a larger crystal, or ingot. This seed crystal is dipped into the pure molten silicon and slowly extracted. The molten silicon grows on the seed crystal in a crystalline fashion. As the seed is extracted the silicon solidifies and eventually a large, cylindrical boule is produced.[3]
A semiconductor crystal boule is normally cut into circular
lapped and polished to provide substrates suitable for the fabrication of semiconductor devices on its surface.[4]
The process is also used to create
watches.[5]
References
- ISBN 9781118313527. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
- ISBN 9783540747611. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
- ^ Rea, Samuel N. (1978). "Continuous Czochralski Process Development". Retrieved March 1, 2017.
- ISBN 978-1-259-02958-5.
- ISBN 978-1-4020-7773-9.