Commercial crystal growth in space

William R. Wilcox

doi:10.1117/12.49581

1 December 1991 Commercial crystal growth in space

William R. Wilcox

Proceedings Volume 1557, Crystal Growth in Space and Related Optical Diagnostics; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.49581
Event: San Diego, '91, 1991, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

There are many organizations in the United States contributing to commercial aspects of crystal growth in space. These include five of NASA's Centers for the Commercial Development of Space, many private companies, and government laboratories. Projects range from growth of large bulk crystals to preparation of thin epitaxial films and small crystals. In most cases the prospect for manufacturing in space remains doubtful because of the high cost and long lead time required for work in space, although these problems are being attacked by NASA's Office of Commercial Programs. Thus at present the commercial reasons for research on crystal growth in space are to evaluate the potential for manufacturing in space, to develop the technology that would be required for this manufacturing, to gain information about the influence of gravity on crystal growth, and to prepare high quality benchmark crystals and devices that can be used as targets for earth-based programs.

Citation Download Citation

William R. Wilcox "Commercial crystal growth in space", Proc. SPIE 1557, Crystal Growth in Space and Related Optical Diagnostics, (1 December 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.49581

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