Authors

Paul C. Nordine

Document Type

Patent

Publication Date

8-27-1996

Patent Number

patent number 5549971

Abstract

Small diameter fibers formed from the use of laser energy and gaseous reactants and are disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus and method for the formation of continuous, substrate free, crystalline or amorphous fibers. Materials which can be formed into small diameter fibers include boron, silicon, germanium, zinc, tungsten, cadium, gallium, thenium, and compounds and mixtures thereof. The fibers have a diameter of about 10 micrometers to about 170 micrometers. The apparatus for producing the fibers includes a laser, a reaction chamber, and gas supply means. The laser beam has a focal point adjusted to coincide with the tip of the growing fiber, the focal point of the laser creating a region of elevated temperature at the fiber tip.

Application Number

08/287947

Assignees

Clemson University (Clemson, SC)

Filing Date

1994-08-09

Primary/U.S. Class

428/364

Other/U.S. Class

252/194, 252/500, 252/501.1, 423/509, 428/401

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