Elena R. Dobrovinskaya, PhD, is the Chief Scientist at Rubicon Technology, Illinois. She has over 45 years of experience in Research and Development, and industrial experience in the fields of crystal growth, physical and mechanical properties and defects in single crystals, including the area of sapphire growth and applications (37 years). Dr. Dobrovinskaya has more than 300 scientific works, 19 patents, and 4 books.

This book provides encyclopedic coverage of sapphire: growth and fabrication, high quality material, and numerous practical applications. Some of the fields of application include, but are not limited to, quantum electronics, radio electronics, radio engineering, radiolocation, ultrahigh resolution optics, high temperature optics, aircraft, atomic power engineering, space, space and microwave engineering. Unusual, versatile and attractive physical and chemical properties of sapphire will be addressed, as well as the main trends in the evolution of the growth methods. Important features of the book include the following: Addresses for the first time in a convenient and readily accessible format information on physical, chemical, mechanical and other properties of sapphire Provides users with the up-to-date information of the potential that sapphire provides in the different fields of engineering and applied science, including the areas of micro- and opto-electronics Summarizes the most important modern growth methods, mechanical and thermal treatment, and fabrication of sapphire products Provides recommendations for the best method of growing sapphire with the desired (specified) physical-chemical characteristics