Abstract: A process assembly is specifically suited for use in a semiconductor process, the integration of the process assembly for processing a semiconductor product, and a method for processing a semiconductor product. The process assembly has a hollow support tube that is formed with a slit. The slit runs along a longitudinal direction of the support tube. A hollow process tube provides a process volume for a semiconductor process. The process tube is arranged within the support tube, at least sectionally, such that the support tube supports the process tube.

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: The invention relates to a plate element for a wafer boat for the plasma treatment of disk-shaped wafers, in particular semiconductor wafers for semiconductor or photovoltaic applications. The plate element is electrically conductive and has at least one holding unit on each side, for holding a wafer in a wafer holding region. The plate element has at least one recess in at least one side of the plate element and/or at least one opening in the plate element, wherein the at least one recess and/or the at least one opening in the plate element lies at least partially radially outside of the wafer holding region and directly adjacent thereto. The invention further relates to a wafer boat that has a plurality of plate elements of the above type arranged parallel to each other, wherein plate elements arranged adjacent are electrically insulated from each other.

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 transport device for transporting to-be-processed elements through a high-temperature zone and a corresponding method is described. The transport device operates according to the walking beam principle, with thin, elongated carrier elements made of a flexible material, which are maintained under tensile stress along the longitudinal axis of the carrier elements, being provided instead of conventional walking beams. The device permits low contamination transport of the elements through a high-temperature zone and improved utilization of energy as well as the ability to use a RTP process.