Production of sapphire domes by the growth of near-net-shape single crystals

Large sapphire single crystals with the geometry of near net shape domes are grown by the gradient solidification method (GSM). The growth is carried out in double-wall molybdenum crucibles, and perfect crystals, free of grain boundaries and scattering centers, are produced. The process is used to grow sapphire domes with different crystallographic orientations, including the optical axis. This process significantly shortens the fabrication process of the dome, thus leading to a cheaper, high-quality, product.