Patent ID: 9745666
Date: 2017-08-29
CPC Classifications: C30B,Y10T

Claim:
1. A Czochralski growth apparatus comprising a crucible having at least one wall separating an inner growth zone and an outer feed zone, the wall having at least one opening providing restricted fluid communication between the inner growth zone and the outer feed zone; a solid feedstock delivery system comprising a feeder having a delivery point overhanging the outer feed zone of the crucible and delivering solid feedstock comprising silicon therein; at least one particle blocking device substantially preventing the solid feedstock from entering the inner growth zone of the crucible; and an thermally-insulated shield positioned above the inner growth zone of the crucible, wherein the thermally-insulated shield and the wall are separated by a gap, wherein the particle blocking device prevents the solid feedstock from passing through the gap, and wherein the particle blocking device includes a vertical segment positioned at the wall of the crucible and extending to a position adjacent to the thermally-insulated shield.