The train driver in the courtyard

The "deposit" from the Railway Technical Research Institute is very generous.

This includes a grain quota of over 10,000 kilograms, a meat subsidy of 2,000 kilograms, and scarce materials such as diesel and gasoline. Most importantly, the Red Star Computing Institute can draw on technical personnel from the Railway Technology Institute at any time.

Li Aiguo knew that Liu Guozhang was under tremendous pressure by providing so many supplies and offering such generous conditions.

"This teacher is really nice to us."

As the sun sets, the entire capital city is shrouded in the color of faith.

Li Aiguo rode his bicycle back to the research institute in the autumn breeze.

After handing the list to Peng Yunyou, he asked, "Director Peng, have you contacted the 1013 Institute?"

“We have contacted them, and they have already promised us that we can visit them anytime.

But this morning, a deputy director of the 1013 Institute suddenly called to inform us that their institute is very busy recently and cannot receive us. "

Peng Yunyou was originally excited because he had obtained a batch of supplies.

Speaking of the 1013 Institute, the deputy director in charge of daily work immediately frowned.

It seems that some people have done something again. If it were another research institute, Li Aiguo would not bother to do such things by force.

However, Li Aiguo must obtain the silicon purification technology and equipment from the 1013 Institute.

Since the other party is unwilling, let's use force.

If the train driver doesn't show his power, do you really think I'm someone who can only drive a train?

Li Aiguo pondered for a moment and picked up the phone: "Is this Director Shu from the Material Department of the Meteorological Station? I am Li Aiguo. I need a batch of high-purity silicon to manufacture a new device.

Yes, the purity must reach 99.9999%, and currently only the 1013 Institute in China can produce it.”

Inside the 1013 Institute.

"This old Guo really likes to cause trouble for us."

"Who said it wasn't true? We have already promised the Red Star Computing Institute, but they asked us to cut off contact with it. What's going on?" As Chen spoke, he slammed the table angrily.

"Our 1013th Institute is not under the jurisdiction of the Academy of Sciences, so why is he meddling in our affairs?"

Deputy Director Liang quickly poured a cup of tea for Director Chen and handed it to him: "Director Chen, Mr. Guo is a celebrity. Since he brought it up, we have to give him some face."

Director Chen also knew this. He took a sip of tea and sighed helplessly: "I can only let the Red Star Computing Institute suffer."

"We can't do anything about it. We'll have to find a way to explain it to the Red Star Computing Institute later."

"That's fine."

Director Chen and Deputy Director Liang had a short meeting and were about to leave work.

The phone rang.

Deputy Director Liang received the call, held the phone and listened for a moment, his expression suddenly became serious.

He said into the phone, "Yes, yes, I understand. We will do it right away. You're welcome. Please rest assured. I will complete the task."

After hanging up the phone, he wiped the sweat from his forehead, looked at Director Chen and said, "Director, Li Aiguo from the Red Star Computing Institute will come to visit our institute tomorrow."

"Huh?" Director Chen was stunned, looking confused: "Lao Liang, didn't we just discuss that we should cooperate with President Guo of the Academy of Sciences?"

Deputy Director Liang leaned over and whispered something in his ear.

Director Chen's eyes widened little by little and he took a breath.

"Is this a fight between gods?"

"Oh, what kind of fight is this? We are a military-industrial unit and are not under the management of the Academy of Sciences, but we must not offend the weather station."

"Too."

Although the weather station is not well-known, its level is very high. Director Chen couldn't help but shudder when he thought of those men in gray Zhongshan suits staring at Institute 1013.

It's not that he feels guilty, but who doesn't have some little flaws?
Director Chen took a deep breath, picked up the phone, and informed the Red Star Research Institute about the visit tomorrow.

Deputy Director Peng Yunyou was almost stunned when he received the call.

"Director Chen, didn't you just reject us?"

"Ahem, this is all a misunderstanding. You must come tomorrow. By the way, apologize to Comrade Li Aiguo for me. We can't do anything about it."

After hanging up the phone, Peng Yunyou still didn't understand why the attitude of the 1013 Institute had changed so drastically.

You know, because the 1013 Institute belongs to the military and has an independent status, it dares to resist even the orders of the ministries.

"Li Aiguo. By the way, Director Chen just mentioned Li Aiguo on the phone. Could it be..."

Peng Yunyou’s eyes suddenly widened.

She knew that giving up her job at the Beijing Railway Research Institute and coming to the Red Star Computer Institute was a wise choice.

*****
When Li Aiguo returned home, the sky had already darkened, and the chrome bell of his bicycle shone silver in the twilight.

The rustling sound of tires rolling over the cinder road startled a flock of sparrows, and the aroma of scallion oil wafting from the state-owned restaurant on the corner mixed with the smoke of burning coal balls.

The prelude of "Singing the Motherland" suddenly sounded from the radio loudspeaker, and Li Aiguo subconsciously straightened his back.

When passing by the old locust tree, several residents who were whispering came over, led by Xu Damao.

This guy's fat face was full of gloating: "Being patriotic, you don't know that, right?"

"What do you know?"

"Jia Zhang is going to be sent back to the countryside!" Xu Damao blinked.

Li Aiguo frowned: "She has been back once before, this is not surprising."

"That was last time. This time the street office is serious about it." Yan Jiecheng also came over and told the story.

This matter started when Jia Zhang was taken away by the street office staff.

Director Wang of the Street Office received a report from a resident that the title of outstanding student that Jia Zhang received in the ideological study class might be problematic.

He immediately realized the seriousness of the problem and thought that someone inside the subdistrict office might have helped Jia Zhang to commit fraud.

So, after Jia Zhang was taken to the street office, Director Wang immediately questioned her.

"Jia Zhang, tell me the truth. Who helped you get the title of outstanding student in the ideological study class?"

"Hey, Director, I'm studying hard."

Jia Zhang was still trying to argue, but Director Wang interrupted her: "When did the Land Revolution take place?"

Jia Zhangshi: "."

Director Wang frowned and said, "Ms. Jia Zhang, you have committed a criminal offense by cheating and undermining the seriousness of the exam. If you refuse to repent, I can only send you to the street police station."

When Jia Zhang heard this, she became anxious: "Director, it was all done by that old man Yi Zhonghai. I wanted to study hard, but Yi Zhonghai said he had a way."

She raised her sleeves and wiped away her tears: "I am also wrong. I shouldn't have trusted Yi Zhonghai, and I shouldn't have failed to stick to my principles. Yi Zhonghai is the bad guy hiding among the masses. You must arrest him quickly, quickly!"

Just like that, Yi Zhonghai was taken back to the street office.

But unlike Jia Zhang, Yi Zhonghai denied all the accusations.

"What? Sister-in-law, you can't accuse me of something without any evidence."

"How can I be so capable?"

"Well, you must have sneaked into the office at night when the street clerk was off work and changed the score."

"Sister-in-law, I have long advised you not to go astray and to accept reform honestly, but you didn't listen. Alas, I am heartbroken and ashamed."

It has to be said that Yi Zhonghai's eloquence was truly remarkable. With just a few words, he put the blame on Jia Zhang's face.

Jia Zhang was furious at the time. She roared and rushed over to crush Yi Zhonghai to death.

Xu Damao interrupted: "Jie Cheng, is he pinched to death?"

"This is an adjective, understand?" Yan Jiecheng puffed out his chest slightly and said with some pride: "I was at the street office collecting my monthly menstrual coupons at the time, and I saw it very clearly. The scene was so exciting."

"Hey, wait a minute, let me sort this out." Xu Damao interrupted Yan Jiecheng, "Your mother is old and doesn't need a menstrual belt. Your younger sister is not old enough and doesn't need one either. Why does your family get menstrual coupons?"

"Can I make you a rope to hang yourself?" Yan Jiecheng was furious. This guy was too proud to take advantage of others.

Xu Damao: "."

Li Aiguo was listening attentively. He was a little angry and pointed at Xu Damao and said, "When Yan Jiecheng opens his mouth, you are not allowed to interrupt."

"No, absolutely not!" Xu Damao promised.

Yan Jiecheng looked at Xu Damao with a smug look before continuing his speech.

In anger, Jia Zhang rushed forward and kicked Jia Zhang to the ground, then sat on Yi Zhonghai's face.

Hiss. Li Aiguo thought about the scene at that time and couldn't help but take a breath.

"Director Wang and the other staff members in the subdistrict office were all stunned. By the time they realized what was happening, Yi Zhonghai had been knocked on the butt several times."

"By the time the officials pulled Jia Zhang up, Yi Zhonghai was already dying."

"After he was sent to the hospital, guess what the doctor said?" Yan Jiecheng blinked, trying to be mysterious.

Xu Damao opened his mouth and was about to speak, but suddenly closed it again.

Seeing that no one was joining in the fun, Yan Jiecheng was upset and said, "Xu Damao, you are allowed to interrupt once."

Xu Damao: "."

Liu Lan: “.”

Residents watching: “.”

Bang! Li Aiguo gave Yan Jiecheng a slap on the neck: "How come you, at such a young age, have learned your father's tricks?"

Yan Jiecheng was beaten, and he didn't care about keeping the secret any longer. He said mysteriously, "Food poisoning! Yi Zhonghai fainted because of food poisoning."

What the hell is food poisoning? What on earth did Jia Zhang eat to make her so sick?

"Yi Zhonghai insisted on his responsibility, and the subdistrict office was unable to find out what happened. All the blame fell on Jia Zhang."

"The subdistrict office has checked carefully. Guess what happened?" Yan Jiecheng was about to keep the secret, but when he saw Li Aiguo raised his hand, he quickly continued, "Jia Zhang doesn't have a temporary residence permit!"

"Temporary residence permit?" Li Aiguo was a little dazed for a moment when he heard this familiar name.

Is there a temporary residence permit these days?
After Xu Damao explained it to me, I finally understood.

It turned out that in 1953, the State Council issued the "Instructions to Discourage Farmers from Blindly Flowing into Cities."

Those who temporarily move into the city need to apply for a temporary residence permit (usually valid for one month). Beijing and other large cities require landlords and temporary residents to register together at the police station.

There are more than 20 shelters set up in the capital, and those who enter the city without proof may be detained and repatriated.

It turns out that the temporary residence permit has a very long history.

Li Aiguo clicked his tongue twice and raised a question: "Jia Zhang and Lao Jia are a legal couple, why do they need a temporary residence permit?"

Li Aiguo knew that Jia Zhang did not have a city hukou, but according to regulations, this kind of kinship relationship should also allow Jia Zhang to stay in the capital, right?

"Oh, this matter should be blamed on Jia Zhang. According to the regulations back then, as long as you get married, you can get a Beijing hukou.

The higher-ups didn't expect that someone wouldn't want a Beijing hukou.

Taking this situation into consideration, the street office had no choice but to ask Jia Zhang to apply for a temporary residence permit on time every month.

Who would have thought that after checking with Director Wang of the Subdistrict Office, it turned out that Jia Zhang had not applied for a temporary residence permit for two years. ”Li Aiguo: “.”

Yan Jiecheng continued, "The subdistrict office has already sent Jia Zhang to a shelter in accordance with regulations, and she will be repatriated in a few days."

Xu Damao interrupted: "It's what she deserves. This old hag should be sent back."

The residents who were watching looked at each other without saying anything.

In fact, the boundaries of this matter are very vague and there is a lot of room for maneuver.

Inspections are strict these days, and the staff of the street office must be aware that Jia Zhang has not applied for a temporary residence permit.

It's just because of her age that I didn't take it seriously.

If Jia Zhang had good relationships with people, the residents would come forward to plead for her, and the three managers would come forward to act as guarantors, this matter would definitely be resolved.

But she just wanted to make trouble and annoy people.

In addition, Li Aiguo suspected that it was Yi Zhonghai who leaked the news that Jia Zhang did not have a temporary residence permit.

No matter what, if Jia Zhang is really sent back this time, she might never come back.

But these things have nothing to do with Li Aiguo. He has two most important things to do now.

The first thing is to get high-precision silicon.

The other thing, of course, is to have children.

The night is getting darker.

After being tortured by the enemy 981 times, the brave Li Aiguo finally confessed and spat out a mouthful of water, and only then was he able to rest for a while.

Man, I'm tired.

*****
Early the next morning.

Li Aiguo rode his bicycle to Institute 1013.

Institute 1013 was under the leadership of the th Research Institute of the National Defense Science and Technology Commission. During this period, its main focus was on developing computers for national defense missions.

Director Feng Kang of the institute is in his forties. He once studied at the Russian Academy of Sciences and has extensive research on floating magnetic heads.

As soon as he saw Li Aiguo, Feng Kang came over excitedly and stretched out his hand: "Comrade Aiguo, the magnetic core memory you developed has changed the way computers store data, and it brings us one step closer to completing our mission."

"Professor Feng, I've long heard of your name!" Li Aiguo held his hand tightly.

Li Aiguo was not just speaking for show.

Professor Feng Kang is also a remarkable person.

His research group independently created the finite element method from the West. The creation and application of the method is recognized as a major achievement in the fields of computational mathematics, computational mechanics and engineering computing in the 20th century.

The scientific research mission of the 1013 Institute is confidential, but Li Aiguo has retrieved the data through the meteorological station.

The task mentioned by Feng Kangshu should be the development of the 717 computer.

This is a computer specially used in ground measurement and control stations, which plays an important role in satellite launch and radar measurement and control.

In fact, since the emergence of computers, people have realized the importance of computers.

In such a difficult environment, we gritted our teeth, tightened our belts, and built more than a dozen research institutes.

Domestic computer research is not far behind that of foreign countries; in other words, it has even surpassed that of foreign countries in some areas.

but.

With the development of the times, some people are short-sighted and the sayings of "technology, industry and trade" and "it is better to buy than to make" have emerged.

Computer research work in China came to a complete standstill and was left behind by foreign countries.

such a pity.

While visiting the laboratory of the 1013 Institute, Li Aiguo chatted with Professor Feng Kang, with his main focus still on the extraction of high-precision silicon.

"In fact, the method we use in 1013 is thermal reduction. Researcher Zhao is in charge of this work." Professor Feng Kang knocked on the door of a laboratory and called a young comrade out.

"Although Xiao Zhao is young, he is already the main force in our institute and has solved many technical problems." Professor Feng Kang introduced both parties.

"This is Comrade Li Aiguo from the Red Star Research Institute."

Researcher Zhao is a real nerd. After meeting Li Aiguo, he seemed particularly dull.

But when the topic of silicon purification came up, Zhao started to talk.

"At present, we can use thermal reduction method in the laboratory to extract high-purity silicon with a purity of 99.99%."

"99.99% is still a long way from our requirements."

Hearing this, Researcher Zhao looked incredulous: "Leader, this is 99.99% high-precision silicon. Even in the world, it is considered first-class."

"Sorry, I'm not accusing you of not having advanced technology, but the silicon used in Red Star's computing needs to be at least 4N pure."

"4N?"

"Ah, it means 99.9999% purity."

Li Aiguo is not being picky. In fact, the high-precision silicon used to manufacture chips can have a purity of up to 9N.

“The term 4N is interesting, but currently the highest purity can only reach 3N using the thermal reduction method,” said Researcher Zhao frankly.

The deputy director next to him frowned and said, "Xiao Zhao, the leaders need 4N silicon now. No matter how difficult it is, you must produce 4N high-precision silicon. This is a rectification task."

"So what if it's a remediation mission? We can't ignore science, right?" Researcher Zhao's eyes widened behind his black-framed glasses. "How about I blow on the rocket and send it into the sky?"

"Hey, Xiao Zhao, what's your attitude? You're getting defensive just because your boss criticized you a few times?" The deputy director's face suddenly turned serious. "You should apologize to your boss right now, and then temporarily stop your duties and go back to reflect on your actions."

He raised his voice and was about to continue criticizing Researcher Zhao.

Li Aiguo stopped the deputy director and said, "Researcher Zhao's concerns are not without reason. We must adhere to scientific methods."

Li Aiguo looked at Researcher Zhao and said, "Since the thermal reduction method cannot produce high-precision silicon with a purity of 4 N, we can change our thinking and adopt other methods."

"Replace?" Researcher Zhao immediately showed a disdainful expression.

This is what it means for an amateur to lead professionals.

Researcher Zhao was about to say, "You think this is growing vegetables? Cabbages don't taste good, so you can pull them up and grow celery. This is high-tech chemical engineering, don't you understand?"

Then I heard Li Aiguo continue: "We can use the seed crystal as a template to directionally grow single crystal silicon rods from the melt.

In this way, the concentration of impurities in the crystal can be reduced by controlling the solidification rate and taking advantage of the difference in the distribution of impurities between the solid and liquid phases.”

The words that Researcher Zhao was about to say got stuck in his throat and twisted into: “Is this really feasible?”

As soon as he said this, Researcher Zhao quickly calculated in his mind.

He was shocked to find that Li Aiguo's so-called method was actually completely feasible.

"What kind of solution is this?"

"Straight-pull method!" Li Aiguo wanted to get a pen, but found that he didn't bring any pen or paper.

Researcher Zhao quickly brought over paper and pen. Li Aiguo took them and wrote down the specific principle on them: "After the seed crystal comes into contact with the molten silicon, it is slowly pulled up and rotated.

The melt solidifies layer by layer on the surface of the seed crystal, inheriting the crystal structure of the seed crystal.

A stable temperature gradient is maintained at the melt-growth interface, ensuring continuous and uniform growth of the crystal.”

"The principle is fine, but what about the steps? How to prevent single crystal silicon from being contaminated during the growth process?" Researcher Zhao asked nervously.

Li Aiguo replied: "Argon. The entire operation process needs to be carried out in an argon atmosphere to prevent oxidation."

"Inert gas! We have indeed performed similar operations. What about isodiametric growth?"

"The stable pulling speed is about 0.5-2mm/min, which can keep the crystal diameter constant."

“How to solve the problem of seed crystal immersion in melt?”

"The seed crystal is slowly lowered to the surface of the melt, and a liquid-solid interface is formed after it is slightly melted upon contact."

The two asked and answered questions, and the more Researcher Zhao asked, the more shocked he became.

The straight-pull method devised by the train driver in front of me seems, may, and is indeed feasible.

"Comrade Aiguo, come on, let's go into the laboratory and talk in detail." Researcher Zhao ignored the director and deputy director, and pulled Li Aiguo's arm to enter the laboratory.

"Hey, Xiao Zhao, stop messing around." The deputy director followed behind and wanted to enter the door, but bang, the door was closed.

The deputy director was depressed: "Director, look, this is how Xiao Zhao treats his superiors."

"Okay, Old Chen, stop acting. Everyone knows that in our 1013 Institute, you protect Xiao Zhao the most. You're worried that in order to complete the mission, he will come up with those weird new technologies and cause trouble." Professor Feng Kang smiled as he looked at the deputy director who was still pretending.

"Hey, Director, do you think I want to act? Xiao Zhao is too bold. He has caused three explosions this month alone. This time it is related to the mission of the Meteorological Bureau. The explosion is a small matter. What if the mission cannot be completed?"

"Don't worry. I don't think Li Aiguo is the kind of leader who is unreasonable. Also, although I am not specialized in crystal growth research, the direct-pull method he just proposed does make some sense."

Professor Feng Kang squinted and looked at the laboratory.

1013 might be able to get a big advantage this time and come up with a new technology.

The Czochralski method is the mainstream technology for manufacturing single crystal silicon in later generations. It has a series of advantages such as large-size crystallization, high purity and high yield.

However, the disadvantages are also obvious. Quartz crucibles lead to high oxygen content and require subsequent annealing. The energy consumption is high and the purity of raw materials is demanding.

However, these shortcomings are not insurmountable in this day and age.

Institute 1013 organized a group of senior chemical personnel to specialize in the purification of raw materials.

In addition, a large number of technical personnel were transferred from the chemical plant to be responsible for the operation.

In order to avoid contamination, Li Aiguo personally took off his clothes and completed the laboratory operations wearing only his shorts.

"Aiguo, let me do it next time." Researcher Zhao took a look at Li Aiguo's capital and was greatly shocked.

Li Aiguo: "."

*****
Five days later, the first batch of single crystal silicon purified using the Czochralski method was placed in a container.

In those days, there were no purity detection instruments such as secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, scanning electron microscope, etc.

Researcher Zhao can only use the principle of glow discharge to detect the purity of single crystal silicon.

The entire testing process lasted nearly five hours and required the cooperation of three researchers.

After the test, Researcher Zhao, despite his tiredness, walked out of the testing room quickly with the list.

"Comrade Patriot, good news! The purity of the first batch of finished products has reached 7N."

At this time, Researcher Zhao's voice was already trembling.

When the researchers in the laboratory learned of the result, they burst into cheers.

The Czochralski method is a basic method that is not only effective for purifying single crystal silicon, but can also be applied to the purification of any crystal that can be crystallized.

In this respect, the results of this experiment exceed the experiment itself.

"Patriotic comrade, according to regulations, you have the right to name this method," said Researcher Zhao with envy.

Li Aiguo put down the utensils and stood up: "Aiguo straight pull method!"

(End of this chapter)