SYSTEM FOR HEAT TREATING A SAPPHIRE COMPONENT

摘要

A system for heat treating sapphire components to increase strength while maintaining the optical finish and/or transparency of the component. The system may include a fixture positioned in a furnace and configured to suspend an array or group of sapphire components. The fixture may include notches or other features to assist in locating and positioning the sapphire components. Shield elements or enclosures may also be interspersed with the sapphire components and may help produce a more uniform heat distribution and protect the sapphire components from emissions or deposits. Some aspects are directed to a sleeve tool and fixture jig that can be used to assemble the sapphire components onto the fixture in a way that reduces the risk of marring or otherwise damaging the sapphire components.

主权项

1. A system for heat treating a sapphire component, the system including:
a furnace defining an internal volume; a trunk member disposed within the internal volume of the furnace; a rod extending from the trunk member and configured to suspend a group of sapphire components by an opening formed in each of the sapphire components; a vacuum supply configured to remove gas from the internal volume of the furnace; and a gas supply configured to introduce an inert gas to the internal volume of the furnace.