English

Fraunhofer ISE develops a faster laser system for wafer processing

1297
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
  • Revealing the essence of optical vortices: a step towards understanding the interaction between light and matter

    In a groundbreaking scientific study published in Volume 13 of the Scientific Report, researchers reported on the results of Young's double slit interference experiment using oscillating vortex radiation under a photon counting system. The experiment involves using a spiral oscillator to emit second harmonic radiation in the ultraviolet range. Using an ultra narrow bandpass filter in the low curre...

    2023-12-29
    See translation
  • Tokyo Institute of Technology collaborates with EX Fusion to promote laser fusion energy closer to commercialization

    Recently, Tokyo Institute of Technology and EX Fusion established a collaborative research group focused on promoting liquid metal equipment to achieve commercial laser fusion reactors. The two sides held an official signing ceremony in Tokyo on October 11th, marking the official start of their cooperation.The EX Fusion Liquid Metals Collaborative Research Group was established with the support of...

    2023-10-17
    See translation
  • Mazak will showcase high-speed fiber lasers on Tube 2024

    Yamazaki Mazak designed the FT-150 fiber laser tube processing machine for high-speed cutting of small and medium-sized diameter pipes, for use in Tube 2024. The machine tool will be controlled by a new type of pipe cutting CNC, which will be exhibited for the first time in Europe.Tube 2024 will be held from April 15th to 19th in Dusseldorf, Germany. Mazak will be exhibited at booth C17 in Hall 5....

    2024-03-16
    See translation
  • TRUMPF helps upgrade the automation of 3D laser processing for automotive thermoforming

    (Dechengen, Germany, March 24, 2025) - TRUMPF Group in Germany has now provided end customers with a fully automated one-stop solution for laser processing systems. With this solution, customers can not only shorten the production cycle, but also effectively reduce the cost of 3D laser material processing. Our laser equipment has excellent production efficiency. Now, through the automation upgrade...

    04-02
    See translation
  • NKT Photonics utilizes fiber lasers to achieve deep space communication links

    On July 7, the European Space Agency (ESA), established Europe’s first deep-space optical communication link with NASA’s Psyche mission using a high-power fiber laser system supplied by NKT Photonics, a subsidiary of Hamamatsu.NKT’s announcement stated, “This achievement, conducted with NASA/JPL’s Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) demonstrator, marks a significant leap forward in high-data-...

    07-21
    See translation