English

Fraunhofer ISE develops a faster laser system for wafer processing

1343
2023-12-23 14:00:27
See translation

By using a new type of laser, the processing speed of wafers can be 10 to 20 times faster than before. This is the result of a research project at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Systems in Germany.

Researchers have developed a prototype that can use ultraviolet waves to carve the most intricate structures on silicon wafers. The new system concept enables solar cell manufacturers to perform laser processing at the highest speed without compromising on the size of the structure or processing field.

In order to produce photovoltaic cells from wafers, wafers must be metallized. In this step, the fine channels are grooved at the top of the cell. Silver paste enters the channel and is then used as a conductor track. The speed at which the channel enters the silicon wafer is crucial for battery production to further reduce production costs.

The laser provided by Fraunhofer ISE can draw 1800 lines per second. This is 10 to 20 times faster than so-called galvanometer scanners, which are typically used for this purpose. The laser has a high repetition rate of 10 megahertz and a maximum pulse energy of 5.6 microjoules.

This laser can also process M12 format wafers with a side length of 210 millimeters. The laser engraving channel is only 15 microns wide. This is 30% finer than the currently commercially used ultraviolet laser. Compared to the very common infrared laser, the channel of the new laser is three times larger. A finer channel can reduce the use of silver paste, thereby helping to further reduce production costs.

"The unique feature of the demonstrator design is that large workpieces can be processed very quickly and the structural dimensions are small," said Jale Schneider, project manager at Fraunhofer ISE. The idea that you can only have two of these three characteristics at the same time - large image field, rapid processing, and fine structure - is deeply rooted in the laser material processing industry. With this system, we have achieved these three aspirations simultaneously.

German laser expert Edgewave GmbH has developed a prototype. Moewe Optical Solutions built a polygon scanner for this project. At Fraunhofer ISE, the team combined a polygonal scanner, laser, and axis for beam guidance into a system. The group now hopes to research new processes to increase production.

Source: Laser Net

Related Recommendations
  • The estimated output value of the LiDAR market in 2029 is expected to reach 5.352 billion US dollars

    Market research firm TrendForce Consulting released an industry insight report today, stating that currently LiDAR is mainly used in the automotive market for passenger cars and unmanned taxis, while in the industrial market it supports applications such as robotics, factory automation, and logistics.The report points out that driven by Level 3 and more advanced auto drive system system and logist...

    01-22
    See translation
  • The UK team collaborated to evaluate epitaxial materials for surface-coupled lasers

    Sivers Photonics, a leading UK-based supplier of optical fiber communications and III-V semiconductor Photonics devices, has announced that it has received an initial order from UK-based laser developer Vector Photonics to evaluate epitaxial materials for a new next-generation surface-coupled laser project.The order, which includes laser manufacturing and life testing, will be the first time the t...

    2023-09-11
    See translation
  • The project cycle has been significantly shortened! Scientists use supercomputing to assist in laser fusion research

    Recently, the Laser Energy Laboratory (LLE) at the University of Rochester installed a new supercomputer to support its laser fusion experiments.The new supercomputer has increased the computing power of the laboratory by four times and shortened the time required to complete certain projects from 30 weeks to a few days.The Laser Energy Laboratory (LLE) at the University of Rochester is one of the...

    2023-10-26
    See translation
  • Jenoptik Jenoptik Group's new factory officially completed in Germany

    After two and a half years of construction, Jenoptik Jenoptik Group's new factory in Dresden, Germany has been officially completed, marking the company's largest single investment in recent times. Jenoptik stated that by expanding its production and research and development capabilities in micro optical devices, it will provide high-precision sensor production technology for high-performance chip...

    05-16
    See translation
  • Aerosol jet printing can completely change the manufacturing of microfluidic devices

    Surface acoustic wave technology is renowned for its high precision and fast driving, which is crucial for microfluidics and affects a wide range of research fields. However, traditional manufacturing methods are time-consuming, complex, and require expensive cleanroom facilities.A new method overcomes these limitations by utilizing aerosol jet printing to create customized equipment with various ...

    2024-02-02
    See translation