Abstract: A method of producing rectangular seeds for use in semiconductor or solar material manufacturing includes connecting an adhesive layer to a top surface of a template, the template including a plurality of parallel slots, and drawing alignment lines on the adhesive layer, the alignment lines aligned with at least some of the parallel slots. The method also includes connecting quarter sections to the alignment layer such that an interface between a rectangular seed portion and a curved wing portion of each quarter section is aligned with at least one of the alignment lines drawn on the adhesive layer, and slicing each of the quarter sections to separate the rectangular seed portions from the curved wing portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing rectangular seeds for use in semiconductor or solar material manufacturing includes a template having a top surface and parallel slots, and an adhesive layer connected to the top surface of the template. The adhesive layer includes alignment lines aligned with the parallel slots. The apparatus also includes quarter sections made of a semiconductor or solar material and connected to the alignment layer. An interface between a rectangular seed portion and a curved wing portion of each quarter section is aligned with at least one of the alignment lines. A wire web is adapted to slice through the interface of each quarter section to separate the rectangular seed portions from the curved wing portions to produce rectangular seeds.

Abstract: A support fixture for use in a directional solidification system for the production of multi-crystalline ingots having a housing with a passage that extends into an inner assembly having a crucible includes a collar, an alignment bracket, and an arm. The collar has a mounting structure for attaching the collar to the housing. A passage extends through the collar and defines a longitudinal axis. The alignment bracket is in spaced relation to the collar. The arm extends from the collar to the alignment bracket to support the alignment bracket and prevent movement of the alignment bracket with respect to the collar. The arm is shaped to allow an operator access to an area adjacent to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating coolant fluid used in wire-saw cutting of semiconductor wafers and which contains silicon-containing impurities. The process comprises changing the properties of the used coolant fluid so that the silicon-containing impurities may be filtered and separated from the coolant fluid to thereby yield a coolant fluid filtrate suitable for use in a wire-saw cutting operation.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating coolant fluid used in wire-saw cutting of semiconductor wafers and which contains silicon-containing impurities. The process comprises changing the properties of the used coolant fluid so that the silicon-containing impurities may be filtered and separated from the coolant fluid to thereby yield a coolant fluid filtrate suitable for use in a wire-saw cutting operation.

Abstract: A method of preparing a directional solidification system (DSS) furnace for use in semiconductor or solar manufacturing includes slicing a plurality of cylindrical rods to produce a plurality of rectangular seed bricks, a plurality of corner portions, and a plurality of quarter sections, and cropping the plurality of rectangular seed bricks into a plurality of rectangular seeds.

Abstract: A method of producing rectangular seed bricks for use in semiconductor or solar manufacturing is disclosed. The method includes connecting an alignment layer to a top surface of a template, drawing alignment lines on the alignment layer to demarcate a plurality of nodes, connecting cylindrical rods to the alignment layer such that a center of each rod is aligned with a corresponding node, and slicing through the rods and the alignment layer with a wire web to produce rectangular seed bricks.

Abstract: An ingot having a mass of greater than about 1000 kg, a method of producing the ingot, and a directional solidification furnace for producing the ingot are disclosed.

Abstract: A directional solidification furnace is disclosed that includes one or more movable insulating members disposed beneath a bottom portion of the crucible. In a first position, the insulating members restrict the flow of heat away from the bottom portion of the crucible. In a second position, the insulating members do not restrict the flow of heat away from the bottom portion of the crucible. An actuating system is used to move the insulating members between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for inhibiting heat transfer through lateral sidewalls of a support member positioned beneath a crucible in a directional solidification furnace. The methods include the use of insulation positioned adjacent the lateral sidewalls of the support member. The insulation inhibits heat transfer through the lateral sidewalls of the support member to ensure the one-dimensional transfer of heat from the melt through the support member.