Growth of high performance multi-crystalline silicon ingots: Dual power vs. single power controlled DSS

摘要

The utilization of dual power control in a directional solidification system (DSS) is shown to help grow higher quality multi-crystalline ingots, particularly high performance ingots with seeded growth. Since the power ratio to the top and the side heaters is tunable, this allows optimal control of the power profile and the solidification front throughout the entire casting process. A dual power controlled DSS (DP-DSS) with separate power control to top and side has achieved faster melting, better seed retention, and more vertical grains while consuming less energy than a single power controlled DSS (SP-DSS).