Photo-induced temperature gradient zone melting

摘要

A temperature gradient zone melting process is disclosed wherein the temperature gradient is established substantially across only the molten zone by preferentially heating the molten zone. In a specific embodiment, the mechanism for inputting heat to the molten zone involves exposing the substrate to optical radiation of a wavelength and magnitude for which the molten zone is absorptive and the remainder of the body is transparent. The molten zone thereby migrates through the body toward the source of optical radiation.