METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GROWING SINGLE-CRYSTAL METALS

摘要

A method for growing large single crystals of metals is disclosed. A polycrystalline form of a metal specimen is initially heated in a non-oxidizing environment. A minimum plastic strain is then applied to the heated metal specimen to initiate the growth of a selected grain within the heated metal specimen. Additional plastic strain is subsequently applied to the heated metal specimen to propagate the growth of the selected grain to become a large single crystal.