Abstract: The nondestructive detection and characterization of crystal defects in monocrystalline semiconductor material is by a combination of photoluminescence heterodyne spectroscopy, photothermal heterodyne spectroscopy and SIRD.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the manufacture of silicon blocks having a columnar structure comprising monocrystalline crystal zones having a crystallographic preferred orientation. In a casting process, each mold filled with molten silicon is transferred, before the silicon has solidified completely, to a separate crystallization station where the silicon can then crystallize completely. During this process, the exposed surface of the silicon is maintained in a molten state until the end of the solidification process has almost been reached. The process allows the various, necessary steps to be carried out simultaneously and yields high-quality solar cell base material.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the manufacture of coarsely crystalline to monocrystalline sheets and/or plates of semiconductor material of preferred orientation. A meniscus of molten semiconductor material comes in contact with a moving, cooler substrate of the same coarsely crystalline to monocrystalline semiconductor material, during which, while transferring the preferred orientation, a thin sheet of the semiconductor material is pulled onto the substrate and, after cooling, becomes detached from the substrate. The substrate can be reused as often as desired.

Abstract: Competitive current generation by the exploitation of solar energy requires cheap solar cells. A process is described which makes it possible to manufacture from silicon a base material for solar cells of this type in an economical manner and in large quantities. This is achieved by bringing silicon from a supply container into contact with a non-elemental lubricating melt, which is immiscible with silicon but will not wet silicon and has a melting point below that of silicon, and by drawing off a silicon film, sliding on this lubricating melt, and solidifying the silicon continuously by cooling to below its' melting point.

Abstract: To make solar energy competitive, as compared against other sources of energy, inexpensive solar cells are required. To accomplish this goal, a method is provided which enables one to produce silicon rods having a columnar structure made of monocrystalline zones with preferential crystallographic orientation. This is effected by feeding a silicon melt into a crystallization chamber having a vertically movable cooled bottom face under the influence of a temperature gradient directed parallel to the rod axis, so that the rods can be made continuously or semicontinuously with high drawing speeds.