Silicon

We perform specific research on growth of silicon by the Czochralski technique mainly for power electronics and photovoltaics application with respect to higher yield and improved material quality.

In the field of directional solidification emphasis is put on innovative crucible and coating materials to reduce harmful defects and impurities. Numerical modeling gives us a deeper insight into the heat and mass transport phenomena occurring during growth.

We offer individual services such as specific crystal growth experiments and characterization of silicon material.

• Specific crystal growth experiments in special R&D furnaces in house and at partners’ sites
• Investigation of melt – crucible interaction phenomena for Cz and DS configurations
  
• Spray coating of crucibles, substrates and other furnace parts based on Si₃N₄, SiO₂, SiC and TaC suspensions
  
• Characterization (shape of the solid-liquid interface by LPS, imaging of structural defects by X-ray topography, analysis of edge facets, determination of O, C, N by FTIR, minority carrier life time mappings, …)
  
• Simulation of heat and mass transport phenomena for Cz, FZ and DS configurations including magnetic fields