Compact two-zone Bridgman furnace with gas-tight process chamber for 1100°C growth temperature

The Bridgman Furnace 1100 is a state-of-the-art crystal growth system designed for applications with a typical maximum operating temperature of 1100°C. This versatile vertical tube furnace features two independently controlled, insulated heating zones, each measuring 160 mm in length, and a gas-tight process chamber for adjusting specific atmospheres during the growth process. The resistive heating elements are positioned approximately 10 mm away from the inner tube, which serves as a gas-tight process chamber and a protective barrier, enhancing the longevity of the heating components while maintaining effective thermal transfer. The furnace is equipped with advanced PID temperature control for precise step-less thermal regulation across both heating zones. Safety is paramount, with integrated overheating protection mechanisms and control thermocouples that accurately measure the temperature in the critical area between the process tube and heating elements, specifically in the center of each heating zone. The furnace promotes efficient crystal growth in a hanging crucible or within a sealed quartz tube with a diameter up to 26 mm. The design accommodates a pulling and rotation drive, enabling the vertical movement and rotation of the crucible or the sealed quartz tube during the crystal growth process. Controlled speeds can be set between 0.2 mm/h and 5 mm/h. Crucible installation and removal can be done comfortably in the free space below the furnace by driving the end of the pulling drive out of the lower heating zone. We offer the option of equipping the system with additional functions in close consultation with the users and constantly adapting it to new requirements as they arise, both in terms of furnace components and software. The Bridgman Furnace 1100 is an ideal solution for researchers and manufacturers seeking a reliable and effective platform for basic Bridgman crystal growth, combining precision, safety, and easy operation.

Heating

• Two resistive heating zones, length 160 mm each
• Operation temperature T_op = 1100 °C
• Maximum temperature T_max = 1200 °C
• Independent temperature regulation for each zone, controlled by separate thermocouples

Atmosphere

• Gas-tight process chamber
• Expected gases are Argon, Nitrogen, Oxygen and 5 % Hydrogen balanced by Argon

Crucible

• Crucible position: hanging on the translation shaft
• Crucible diameter: 26 mm max.
• Sealed quartz tubes with a tapered end and a upper hook can be used

Operation

• Crucible installation: below the heating zones after driving the translation shaft out of the lower heating zone
• Crucible movement: lowering from upper zone to the lower zone
• Free traveling range 500 mm
• Translation speed: variable in the range from approx. 0.2 mm/h to 5 mm/h
• Rotation rate up to 50 rpm
• Fast positioning gear
• Specifically developed GUI software, Linux based operating system
• Remote control by TeamViewer or RustDesk possible

Required lab connections

• Process gas gas supply
• Ventillation and exhaust air system for process gases
• No cooling water required
• Energy supply with AC 230 V, 16 A, 50/60Hz

Furnace dimensions

• Height: 2500 mm, width: 540 mm, depth: 480 mm
• Legs can be removed for operation on a table (height then 1780 mm)