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 method for passivating a surface of a semiconductor material includes forming a layer stack having an aluminum oxide layer and an outer coating on the surface of the semiconductor material. The aluminum oxide layer and the outer coating are respectively formed in vacuum processes in which a vacuum is present. The vacuum is maintained between the forming of the aluminum oxide layer and the forming of the outer coating. Hydrogen and oxygen are supplied after the forming of the aluminum oxide layer and before the forming of the outer coating. A semiconductor substrate is also provided.

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 solar cell with buried contacts in recesses (7) on a first surface (2). On a lateral face (4), a metal layer (12) is produced. The metal layer (12) extends into a lateral zone (9) of a second surface (3) opposite the first surface (2). The metal layer serves as a first electrode (14). On the second surface (3) a second electrode (15), electrically separate from the first electrode (14), is produced so that the solar cell is provided with a back connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar cell with so-called buried contacts in recesses (7) on a first surface (2). On a lateral face (4), a metal layer (12) is produced that extends into a lateral zone (9) of a second surface (3) opposite the first surface (2), said metal layer serving as a first electrode (14). On the second surface (3) a second electrode (15), electrically separate from the first electrode (14), is produced so that the solar cell is provided with a back connection.