Removable thermal control for ribbon crystal pulling furnaces
A ribbon crystal pulling furnace has a base insulation and a liner insulation removably connected to the base insulation. At least a portion of the liner insulation forms an interior for containing a crucible.
1. A method of growing a ribbon crystal, the method comprising:
providing a furnace having a crucible with a plurality of string holes, the furnace also having a base insulation with a first removably connected liner insulation;
adding molten material to the crucible; and
passing string through the string holes and the molten material to grow a ribbon crystal.
2. The method as defined by claim 1 further comprising:
removing the first liner insulation; and removably connecting a second liner insulation to the base insulation.
3. The method as defined by claim 1 , wherein the liner insulation comprises graphite or a carbon foam material.
4. The method as defined by claim 1 , wherein the base insulation comprises a ceramic material.
5. The method as defined by claim 1 , wherein the base insulation is formed from the same material as the liner insulation.
6. The method as defined by claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the liner insulation is positioned adjacent to the crucible.
7. The method as defined by claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the liner insulation is positioned beneath the crucible.