Abstract: Methods and systems for forming a scribe line in a thin film stack on an inner surface of a thin film photovoltaic superstrate are provided via the use of a cleaning laser beam and a scribing laser beam. The cleaning laser beam is focused directly onto the exposed surface of the superstrate such that the cleaning laser beam removes debris from the exposed surface of the superstrate, and the scribing laser beam is focused through the exposed surface of the superstrate and onto the thin film stack such that the scribing laser beam passes through the superstrate to form a scribe within the thin film stack on the inner surface of the superstrate. The method and system can further utilize a conveyor to transport the superstrate in a machine direction to move the superstrate past the cleaning laser source and the scribing laser source.

Abstract: Methods and systems for forming a scribe line in a thin film stack on an inner surface of a thin film photovoltaic superstrate are provided via the use of a cleaning laser beam and a scribing laser beam. The cleaning laser beam is focused directly onto the exposed surface of the superstrate such that the cleaning laser beam removes debris from the exposed surface of the superstrate, and the scribing laser beam is focused through the exposed surface of the superstrate and onto the thin film stack such that the scribing laser beam passes through the superstrate to form a scribe within the thin film stack on the inner surface of the superstrate. The method and system can further utilize a conveyor to transport the superstrate in a machine direction to move the superstrate past the cleaning laser source and the scribing laser source.

Abstract: Methods for isolating thin film photovoltaic cells on a superstrate are provided. The method includes focusing a laser beam onto a first surface of the superstrate to remove a thin film stack positioned on a second surface of the superstrate, and directing the laser beam across the first surface of the superstrate to form an isolation scribe that is substantially free from the thin film stack. The thin film stack can include a transparent conductive oxide layer on the second surface, an n-type window layer on the transparent conductive oxide layer, and an absorber layer on the n-type window layer. The laser beam can have a laser wavelength of about 370 nm or less, and/or can have a laser wavelength such that the transparent conductive oxide layer absorbs at least about 80% of the laser beam at the laser wavelength.

Abstract: A method for nondestructive layer defect detection includes projecting radiation such as a laser beam on a surface of the layer. The surface of the layer is heated by the projected radiation so as to melt at least a portion of the layer. An impurity contained in a defect is heated by the projected radiation so as to increase the pressure of the material within the defect sufficiently to cause the impurity to emerge from the defect through the surface of the layer. The layer is then scanned for a visible defect created by the emergence of the impurity from the defect. A wafer scanning system for nondestructive layer defect detection includes a radiation source such as a laser and a wafer support system that supports a semiconductor wafer with a layer formed thereon in alignment with the radiation source.

Abstract: A front-loading optical disk drive is disclosed that registers an optical disk about the spindle precisely relative to the optical head. First, the spindle and the corresponding clamping assembly have means to accurately register the disk onto the spindle. Second, the critical components of the optical disk drive such as the spindle, the clamping assembly, the optical head, and the guides and stops for the optical disk, are all positioned relative to a single point in the disk drive. This eliminates the build up of manufacturing tolerances between the critical components. By precisely registering the optical disk onto the spindle, and precisely positioning all the critical components relative to a single point, the optical disk will be precisely registered to the optical head.

Abstract: A high performance self threading tape transport apparatus is packaged within a stand alone 19 inch wide frame. The tape transport apparatus includes a removable file reel and a machine reel. The removable file reel and the machine reel are arranged diagonally with a gravity assisted tape threading path. A single capstan is positioned adjacent the tape threading path with a pair of vacuum chambers situated one on each side of the capstan. The vacuum columns are offset relative to each other but incline to the tape threading path. A processing station including a magnetic transducer, is displaced relative to the tape threading path and operates to read magnetic data from the tape or to write magnetic data on the tape.