Abstract: A description is given of continuous fibers based on cellulose and/or cellulose derivatives, more particularly for producing flame-retardant textiles or carbon fibers. The cellulose and/or the cellulose derivatives are in a dehydrated form in the continuous fibers. The oxygen content is 29 to 39 wt %, the limiting oxygen index LOI is 25 to 40 (according to DIN EN ISO 6941; 2004-05) and the density is 1.3 to 1.45 g/cm3 (according to DIN 65569-1; 1992-10). The continuous fibers may be produced advantageously by impregnating the starting fibers with a solution, more particularly an aqueous solution, of a specific salt which under thermal conditions releases a dehydrating acid which brings about the dehydration of cellulose and/or of cellulose derivatives in a subsequent thermal stage. The continuous fibers of the invention can be used in particular to produce advantageous carbon fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for stabilizing precursor fibers for the production of carbon fibers. In the method, precursor fibers are first heated to a first temperature and held at the temperature for a predefined duration. Subsequently, the precursor fibers are heated to at least one second temperature, which is higher than the first temperature, and held at said temperature for a predefined duration. During each heating and between the heating steps, the precursor fibers are in a gas atmosphere having a negative pressure in the range between 12 mbar and 300 mbar and having an oxygen partial pressure of 2.5 to 63 mbar. The device has at least one evacuable, elongate vacuum chamber for feeding the precursor fibers through, at least two lock units and at least one heating unit.

Abstract: A plasma generator and a method for the pulsed provision of electrical power having a frequency of at least 40 KHz to at least two process chambers are described. The plasma generator comprises: a control unit configured to obtain and evaluate process data about processes in the at least two process chambers; a controllable power supply having an output, the controllable power supply being configured to output a direct current at a predetermined voltage and/or intensity at its output in response to a control signal from the control unit; and a switching unit having a first input connected to the output of the power supply and having at least two switching unit outputs for respective connection to one of the at least two process chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and an apparatus for passivating defects of a semiconductor substrate, in particular a silicon based solar cell. According to the method, the substrate is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation during a first process phase, wherein the radiation directed onto the substrate has wavelengths at least in the region below 1200 nm and an intensity of at least 8000 Watt/m2. This can lead to a heating of the substrate, or a temperature control can be provided. Subsequently, the substrate is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation during a temperature-holding phase following the first process phase, wherein the radiation directed onto the substrate has wavelengths primarily in the region below 1200 nm and an intensity of at least 8000 Watt/m2, while a side of the substrate facing away from a source of the electromagnetic radiation is cooled via a contact with a support cooled by a cooling device.

Abstract: A cooling module for cooling substrates, in particular solar cells having a paste printed thereon after passing through a heating module is described. The cooling module comprises an elongated cooling chamber having an inlet opening, which is adjacent to a heating module, and an outlet opening, as well as a transport unit for transporting substrates through the elongated cooling chamber, wherein the transport unit defines a transport plane for the substrates. At least one first cooling unit is provided. The cooling unit has a plurality of first plate elements, which are arranged in substance perpendicular to and above the transport plane in the cooling chamber, at least one first conduit which extends through the first plate elements and is in a thermally conducting relationship therewith, and at least one conveying unit for conveying a cooling fluid through the first conduit.