Patent ID: 6562131
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: C30B

Abstract:
A method of producing a silicon carbide single crystal, the method comprising the steps of:selecting a tantalum crucible with an inner surface comprised of a depth variable composition of Taâ€”Siâ€”C; locating a silicon carbide source within said tantalum crucible; locating at least one seed crystal within said tantalum crucible, wherein a growing surface of said at least one seed crystal is substantially parallel to an evaporating surface of said silicon carbide source; sealing said tantalum crucible prior to initiating a sublimation growth process, wherein said sealed tantalum crucible is substantially vacuum tight; heating said tantalum crucible, wherein said heating step forms an axial temperature gradient in a direction from said at least one seed crystal to said silicon carbide source; and growing the silicon carbide single crystal by said sublimation growth process within a growth zone of said tantalum crucible.