This volume deals with the technologies of crystal fabrication, of crystal machining, and of epilayer production and is the first book on industrial and scientific aspects of crystal and layer production. Highest-quality crystals and epitaxical layers form the base for many of industries technological advances, including telecommunication, computer and electric energy technology, and those technologies based on lasers and nonlinear-optic crystals. Furthermore, automobile electronics, audiovisual equipment and infrared night-vision all depend on high-quality crystals and epilayers, as do novel technologies currently in development and planned for the future. This book contains 29 contributions of leading crystal technologists covering the following topics: *General aspects of crystal growth technology *Silicon *Compound semiconductors *Oxides and halides *Crystal machining *Epitaxy and layer deposition Scientific and technological problems of production and machining of industrial crystals are discussed by top experts, most of the m from the major growth industries and crystal growth centres. It is anticipated that this volume will serve all scientists and engineers involved in crystal and epilayer fabrication. In addition, it will be useful for the users of crystals, for teachers and graduate students in materials sciences, in electronic and other functional materials, chemical and metallurgical engineering, micro-and optoelectronics including nanotechnology, mechanical engineering and precision-machining, microtechnology, and in solid-state sciences. Also consultants and specialists will profit from this book, as will those interested in crystals, epilayers, and their production for saving energy (GaN- and SiC-based high-power electronics and light-emitting diodes for illumination) and for renewable energy sources (economic high-efficiency solar cells and forthcoming laser-fusion energy).
