Currently, single crystals of a majority of topical quantum materials are regularly synthesized by Chemical Vapor Transport (CVT) and Flux-Growth (FG), including for example transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD). To prevent oxidation synthesis takes place in sealed quartz ampoules, or ampoules made of niobium and tantalum in the case of higher melting compounds.
Quartz ampoule sealing station with hydrogen-oxygen torch. A turbo pump is used to evacuate the ampoule before sealing it off under high vacuum or after filling it with a defined amount of argon.
Niobium and tantalum ampoules can be sealed using this arc melter from Buehler, which we have modified to be able to accommodate the ampoules.
Standard Centra CL 2 centrifuge to separate the crystals from the flux. Swing buckets are home made.