Programmed crystal growth on the diffractometer with focussed heat radiation

Abstract

To improve the growing of single crystals for structural analysis, especially those of low-melting-point materials, a new technique and the appropriate apparatus have been developed. The heat radiation of a halogen lamp of adjustable intensity is focused by a parabolic mirror on the sample capillary, which is mounted on a diffractometer and cooled by a gas stream at a controlled temperature. The focus can be moved along the length of the capillary in any direction , for horizontal or vertical miniature zone melting or Bridgman techniques. The heat source and the movable mirror are controlled by a microprocessor, which allows systematic and software-supported search and reproduction of suitable experimental growing conditions.