Real-time crystal growth visualization and quantification by energy-resolved neutron imaging

Abstract

Energy-resolved neutron imaging is investigated as a real-time diagnostic tool from visualization and in-situ measurements of "blind" processes. This technique is demonstrated from the Bridgman-type crystal growth enabling remote and direct measurements of growth parameters crucial from process optimization. The location and shape of the interface between liquid and solid phases are monitored in real-time, concurrently with the measurement of elemental distribution within the growth volume and with the identification of structural features with a ∼100 μm spatial resolution. Such diagnostics can substantially reduce the development time between exploratory small scale growth of new materials and their subsequent commercial production. This technique is widely applicable and is not limited to crystal growth processes.