Apparatus for making optically fused semiconductor powder for solar cells
US5614020A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 8, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 8, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T117/102
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus for forming semiconductor particles (42) for solar cells using an optical furnace (30). Uniform mass piles (26) of powered semiconductor feedstock are almost instantaneously optically fused to define high purity semiconductor particles without oxidation. The high intensity optical energy is directed and focused to the semiconductor feedstock piles (26) advanced by a conveyer medium (16) thereunder. The semiconductor feedstock piles (26) are at least partially melted and fused to form a single semiconductor particle (42) which can be later separated from a refractory layer (18) by a separator (50), preferably comprised of silica. The apparatus (10) and process is automated, providing a high throughput to produce uniform mass, high quality spheres for realizing high efficiency solar cells. The apparatus is energy efficient, whereby process parameters can be easily and quickly established.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.