Abstract: A modular apparatus is provided for depositing molten metal onto a movable chill surface to form continuous strip. The apparatus includes a crucible, consisting of a receptacle, sealed at one end to a base, and a heater for maintaining metal in the molten state in the receptacle. A simple nozzle conveys the molten metal from the crucible into contact with the chill surface. The individual elements of the apparatus may be replaced without replacing the remaining elements, and the nozzle may be replaced while a charge of molten metal is in the crucible.

Abstract: A process for gettering defects in a semiconductor is provided. The process comprises using a laser beam to drive a dopant material into a melted non-active surface of a semiconductor device, followed by heating the semiconductor to drive defects to traps formed by the dopant. The process creates in the bulk of the semiconductor strain fields that not only trap defects, which would otherwise degrade device performance, but also hold the defects during subsequent processing steps.