The growth of crystals for industrial applications (particularly in the photonics sector) represents one of the crucial technologies for the current economic context, with the related production process requiring rare earths as input raw materials, the absorption of large quantities of energy and a deep sectoral knowledge of the process itself. The crystal as a finished product also constitutes the main component in many photonic systems, primarily laser applications. The related value chain has rarely been based on zero-defect manufacturing (ZDM) approaches so far, which instead represent potential sustainable and efficient implementations of this process.
SMART-GROWTH aims to apply the ZDM paradigm through Artificial Intelligence approaches that are based precisely on zero-defect pillars such as detection, prediction and prevention of faults and anomalies in a typical crystal growth process, with the objectives of increasing yield and process efficiency, reduce energy absorption and waste, and improve the quality of the crystals produced.