Silicon wafer manufacturing processes

This silicon crystallisation method at more than 1,425 C is used to manufacture large cylindrical single crystal ingots, owing to very precise control of the temperature gradient in the oven. These ingots are then sliced with a wire saw to obtain silicon "wafers", used in the micro-electronic and photovoltaic industries. Mersen supplies the following elements:

• Purified graphite crucible
• Purified graphite heating element
• Hot zone rigid insulation
• Graphite and C/C composite heat shield
• Furnace insulation.

The cooling of the bath of molten silicon is controlled to obtain solidification of the ingot with very broad crystalline zones. These ingots are then sliced with a wire saw to obtain silicon "wafers", primarily used in the photovoltaic industry. Mersen supplies the following elements:

• Purified graphite heating element
• Hot zone rigid carbon insulation
• Composite fasteners
• Composite plate
• Graphite heat exchanger.