Abstract: Structures useful for dielectrically isolated high voltage devices are produced utilizing a melting technique. In this technique a cavity is produced in a silicon wafer, the surface of the cavity is, for example, oxidized to form a dielectric material, and silicon is deposited onto the dielectric material so that it extends to a region where it is in contact with single crystal silicon, e.g., a portion of the wafer. The entire region of polycrystalline silicon is then melted. Upon termination of the melting energy, the polycrystalline silicon is converted into a thick region of dielectrically isolated single crystal silicon. This thick region is useful for the formation of high voltage devices.

Abstract: Dielectrically isolated regions of single crystal silicon are produced through the use of a specific melting process. In this process, a substrate having regions of single crystal silicon contacting regions of non-single crystal silicon that overlie a dielectric material are treated. In particular, the entire region(s) of non-single crystal silicon is melted utilizing primarily radiant energy. Cooling is then initiated and the molten silicon is converted into a region of single crystal material. Isolation is completed by removing the appropriate regions of single crystal silicon.