How to fast grow large-size crystals?

Schematic diagram of the multi-scale and multi-field coupling in a typical crystal growth system

Large-size crystals are irreplaceable in such fields as semiconductors, communication, the military, and radiation detection. However, it is still very difficult to prepare large-size, high-quality single crystals with a fast-growing rate and low cost. “How to make breakthrough in the preparation theory and technology of large-size crystals” is one of the top ten challenges for science and technology released by the China Association for Science and Technology in 2021. The research on crystal growth has a long history of about 130 years, and many advances in both theoretical models and growth experiments have been made in this journey. In practice, crystal growth is a complicated process with multi-scale and multi-field properties, as shown in Figure 1. Multi-scale means that crystal growth involves issues of different levels such as occupied state of electrons, type of atoms/molecules, structure of clusters (mesoscopic scale), and properties of bulk (macro scale). Multi-field means the mutual coupling of electromagnetic, thermal, fluid field, and any other field that affects the crystal growth. Fortunately, with the rapid development and widespread application of artificial intelligence, breakthroughs for fast and large-size crystal growth are being anticipated in the near future. Here, on the foundation of our recent research and findings on the fast growth of large-size crystals, we present our answer.