EP1891683A1 - Method for the removal of doped surface layers on the back faces of crystalline silicon solar wafers - Google Patents
Method for the removal of doped surface layers on the back faces of crystalline silicon solar wafersInfo
- Publication number
- EP1891683A1 EP1891683A1 EP06761679A EP06761679A EP1891683A1 EP 1891683 A1 EP1891683 A1 EP 1891683A1 EP 06761679 A EP06761679 A EP 06761679A EP 06761679 A EP06761679 A EP 06761679A EP 1891683 A1 EP1891683 A1 EP 1891683A1
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- Prior art keywords
- plasma
- gas
- silicon solar
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- etching
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10F—INORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES SENSITIVE TO INFRARED RADIATION, LIGHT, ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION OF SHORTER WAVELENGTH OR CORPUSCULAR RADIATION
- H10F71/00—Manufacture or treatment of devices covered by this subclass
- H10F71/121—The active layers comprising only Group IV materials
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- H10P50/242—
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10F—INORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES SENSITIVE TO INFRARED RADIATION, LIGHT, ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION OF SHORTER WAVELENGTH OR CORPUSCULAR RADIATION
- H10F19/00—Integrated devices, or assemblies of multiple devices, comprising at least one photovoltaic cell covered by group H10F10/00, e.g. photovoltaic modules
- H10F19/50—Integrated devices comprising at least one photovoltaic cell and other types of semiconductor or solid-state components
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
- Y02E10/547—Monocrystalline silicon PV cells
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
- Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method for unilaterally removing a doped surface layer on rear sides of crystalline silicon solar wafers.
- Such doped solar wafers are doped on all sides by diffusion with, for example, phosphorus to form a p / n junction on the surface of the wafer.
- an n-doped surface layer forms on the entire surface.
- this is desired as far as possible only on the Wäfer surface on which the light is to strike for photovoltaic use (the so-called front side).
- At least the entire rear side and also the outer edge edge region should be electrically insulated from the front side so that the n-doped surface layer is to be removed there again.
- a rear side then formed with pure p-doped crystalline silicon can subsequently be connected to a be provided ner electrical contact.
- the front exposed to the light can be provided with a reflection-reducing layer or the coating (eg Si x N y : H or TiO 2 ) before or even after the removal of the doped backside layer.
- a reflection-reducing layer or the coating eg Si x N y : H or TiO 2
- the removal of the doped surface has hitherto been carried out predominantly wet-chemically.
- the individual very flat cells are placed in an etching bath and there is a removal of the doping layer on the back.
- a liquid meniscus can form on the outer edge, which can also lead to the partial removal of the doped material at the outer edge.
- a removal of the side edges with laser radiation is also complicated and expensive.
- Other methods for removing the doped side edges for example, by dry etching in vacuum systems or mechanical abrasion by grinding also have the cost disadvantage and increase the likelihood of wafer damage by consuming handling processes.
- the front page should not be changed in order not to negatively influence the cell license.
- the procedure is such that a plasma source known per se, with which a large-area plasma having a working width which preferably corresponds to the dimensions of the solar wafer (approximately 150-250 mm), is used and worked in the region of the atmospheric pressure becomes. It can be used in a pressure range of about 300 Pa to the respective ambient atmospheric pressure.
- Such plasma sources are described as an arc or microwave source in DE 102 39 875, wherein with respect to the structure and operation of such plasma sources should be fully used their disclosure content.
- the plasma can also be formed by means of dielectric discharge.
- the plasma exits from at least one nozzle of the plasma source mixed with an etching gas or etching gas mixture (so-called remote plasma etching).
- the etching gas can also be passed directly through the plasma source (so-called direct plasma etching). Radicals of the etching gas formed by the plasma energy lead to a removal of the surface and the resulting gaseous reaction products are removed with the gas flow.
- the proportion of the etching gas in the total gas flow should be selected such that an effective and residue-free removal of the doped surface layer at the rear side is achieved, wherein the removal takes place essentially in a reaction region which is determined by the plasma emerging directly from the plasma source.
- the exhaust stream is then discharged radially outward and flows parallel to the back surface where the etching has been performed, and is removed via an exhaust.
- the suction device should be designed so that the reaction region is completely enclosed and operated in such a way that a flow which is as uniform as possible is formed and in particular a demolition flow on the radially outer edge region of the respective solar wafer can be avoided. As a result, it is possible to avoid etching attack and to retain the entire doped surface layer on the front side of the solar wafer and to use the entire area for the photovoltaics during operation of the cell.
- the gas mixture should flow over the rear surface at a linear flow rate in the range 1 to 20 m / s, preferably to 5 m / s.
- the etch zone should also be sealed from the environment by means of a purge gas feed.
- An inert purge gas e.g. Nitrogen supplied.
- the purge gas supply should completely enclose the suction device and also the reaction region. Purging gas passes through a gap between see back surface of the solar wafer and plasma source once out to the environment and a portion of the purge gas is discharged through the suction.
- Suitable etching gases are fluorine-containing gases such as CF 4 ,
- CHF 3 , SF 6 , NF 3 or chlorine compounds eg HCl, CCl 4 , SiHCl 3 / H 2
- a gas mixture for example by admixing oxygen or hydrogen.
- Etching gas should be supplied at 0.5 to 10, preferably to 5 Normlitern per minute.
- nitrogen can be added to the etching gas for dilution, and this should be done for NF 3 at 2 to 7, preferably to 5 Normlitern per minute. But there is also the 'possibility to supply oxygen with the etching gas, which is particularly favorable for CF 4 and SF ⁇ . Oxygen should be supplied at 0.3 to 1.5 standard liters per minute. With added oxygen, the etching rate can be increased and the resulting surface texture can be influenced.
- the specified gas volume flows for etching gas, purge gas and oxygen are based on the usual wafer dimensions of approx. 150 to 250 mm and can however be adapted accordingly for larger areas of solar wafers.
- a p / n junction region can also be removed on the back, so that complete p / n isolation at the back can be achieved.
- Nitrogen, argon, hydrogen and / or oxygen, predominantly in the form of gas mixtures, can be used for the plasma formation.
- Etching gases can be introduced directly into the plasma source but also into the already formed plasma.
- the process can be operated in a continuous process, whereby individual solar wafers translate under one
- Plasma source can be moved through.
- the one or more nozzle openings from which plasma emerges should be designed, arranged and dimensioned such that the entire width, orthogonal to the direction of movement of the solar wafers, is swept over.
- the plasma source is designed such that there is a gap between the plasma source and the rear surface of solar wafers around the actual reaction region, through which gas can flow.
- the images should be dimensioned so that the solar wafers can be recorded almost accurately and only a small clearance between the receptacle and the outer edge of the respective solar wafer remains.
- the back surface should be as flush as possible with the surface of a support element, or protrude only slightly beyond its height.
- filigree solar wafers can be handled and transported well and gently, so that damage or destruction can also be avoided.
- the required space requirement of a system for carrying out the method according to the invention is low. It can be achieved a high throughput and the operating costs are relatively low. In addition, health problems can be avoided and OSH requirements are significantly lower, especially when compared to wet chemical procedures.
- the solar wafers can already be provided with an antireflection coating before the method is carried out.
- the surface texture of the back can also be changed and a smoothing with reduced surface roughness can be achieved.
- the improved surface properties also have a positive effect if a contact is formed on the back or an additional coating is to be applied as a passivation.
- dielectric layers for example of silicon nitride
- the back of the solar wafer can be provided with a texture, for example, to form an inverse pyramidal texture with edge lengths in the micrometer range or a nano-texture.
- the reflectivity can be reduced. This is also evident from the diagram shown in FIG.
- the reflectivity was determined on a solar wafer after the implementation of the method and without additional antireflection coating.
- the curve 3 corresponds to an untreated solar wafer with high reflectivity.
- the curve 2 corresponds to a porous texture on the back and the curve 1 corresponds to a texture with pyramidal structure on the back.
- Table II below shows textures formed with different etching gases on back sides of silicon solar wafers after removal of the doped layer.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a solar wafer in which a region of the surface is processed by etching and a doped layer is to be removed at least on the back and not on the front side.
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- Drying Of Semiconductors (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
- Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
Verfahren zur Entfernung einer dotierten Oberflächenschicht an Rückseiten von kristallinen Silizium- SolarwafernMethod of removing a doped surface layer on backs of crystalline silicon solar wafers
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum einseitigen Entfernen einer dotierten Oberflächenschicht an Rückseiten von kristallinen Silizium-Solarwafern. Solche dotierten Solarwafer werden zur Ausbildung eines p/n- Überganges an der Oberfläche des Wafers allseitig durch Diffusion mit beispielsweise Phosphor dotiert. Dabei bildet sich auf der gesamten Oberfläche eine n- dotierte Randschicht. Diese ist aber möglichst nur an der Wäfer-Oberflache gewünscht, auf die das Licht für eine photovoltaische Nutzung auftreffen soll (die sog. Frontseite) . Zumindest die gesamte Rückseite und auch der äußere Kantenrandbereich sollen elektrisch von der Frontseite isoliert sein, so dass dort die n- dotierte Oberflächenschicht wieder entfernt werden soll. Eine dann mit reinem p-dotiertem kristallinen Silizium gebildete Rückseite kann nachfolgend mit ei- ner elektrischen Kontaktierung versehen werden.The invention relates to a method for unilaterally removing a doped surface layer on rear sides of crystalline silicon solar wafers. Such doped solar wafers are doped on all sides by diffusion with, for example, phosphorus to form a p / n junction on the surface of the wafer. In this case, an n-doped surface layer forms on the entire surface. However, this is desired as far as possible only on the Wäfer surface on which the light is to strike for photovoltaic use (the so-called front side). At least the entire rear side and also the outer edge edge region should be electrically insulated from the front side so that the n-doped surface layer is to be removed there again. A rear side then formed with pure p-doped crystalline silicon can subsequently be connected to a be provided ner electrical contact.
Die dem Licht ausgesetzte Frontseite kann vor oder auch nach der Entfernung der dotierten Rückseiten- schicht mit einer Reflexion vermindernden Schicht o- der Beschichtung (z.B. SixNy: H oder TiO2) versehen werden.The front exposed to the light can be provided with a reflection-reducing layer or the coating (eg Si x N y : H or TiO 2 ) before or even after the removal of the doped backside layer.
Die Entfernung der dotierten Oberfläche wird bisher überwiegend nasschemisch durchgeführt. Dabei werden die einzelnen sehr flachen Zellen in ein Ätzbad gegeben und es erfolgt eine Entfernung der Dotierschicht auf der Rückseite. Bei einer bestimmten Dichte des Ätzbades und Einhaltung bestimmter Grenzflächenver- hältnisse kann sich ein Flüssigkeitsmeniskus am äußeren Rand ausbilden, der auch zur teilweisen Entfernung des dotierten Werkstoffes an der äußeren Kante führen kann.The removal of the doped surface has hitherto been carried out predominantly wet-chemically. In this case, the individual very flat cells are placed in an etching bath and there is a removal of the doping layer on the back. At a certain density of the etching bath and adherence to certain interfacial conditions, a liquid meniscus can form on the outer edge, which can also lead to the partial removal of the doped material at the outer edge.
Hierzu ist eine ständige Überwachung und Einhaltung der hierfür geeigneten Konsistenz des Ätzbades erforderlich, was sehr aufwendig ist.For this purpose, a constant monitoring and compliance with the appropriate consistency of the etching bath is required, which is very expensive.
Außerdem' kann es bei der Handhabung der einzelnen So- larwaferrohlinge, also beim Einsetzen und Herausnehmen aus den Ätzbädern zur Zerstörung kommen, da die Siliziumsubstrate eine sehr geringe Dicke im Bereich einiger weniger hundert Mikrometer aufweisen.In addition, 'it can larwaferrohlinge in the handling of the individual solar, that occur during insertion and removal from the etching baths for destruction, since the silicon substrates have a very small thickness in the range of a few hundred micrometers.
Des Weiteren muss darauf geachtet werden, dass keine Ätzflüssigkeit oder gasförmige Ätzprodukte auf die Frontfläche gelangen.Furthermore, care must be taken that no etching liquid or gaseous etching products reach the front surface.
Ein Abtrag der Seitenkanten mit Laserstrahlung ist ebenfalls aufwendig und kostenintensiv. Weitere Verfahren zum Abtragen der dotierten Seitenkanten („Kantenisolation") beispielsweise durch Trockenätzverfahren in Vakuumanlagen oder mechanischem Abtrag durch Schleifen weisen ebenfalls den Kosten- nachteil auf und erhöhen die Wahrscheinlichkeit von Waferbeschädigungen durch aufwändige Handhabeprozesse.A removal of the side edges with laser radiation is also complicated and expensive. Other methods for removing the doped side edges ("edge insulation"), for example, by dry etching in vacuum systems or mechanical abrasion by grinding also have the cost disadvantage and increase the likelihood of wafer damage by consuming handling processes.
Es ist daher Aufgabe der Erfindung ein Verfahren zur Verfügung zu stellen, mit dem dotierte Oberflächenschichten von Rückseiten kristalliner Silizium- Solarwafer kostengünstig und bei substratschonender Handhabung der Solarwafer, entfernt werden können. Dabei soll die Frontseite nicht verändert werden, um die Zelleffizenz nicht negativ zu beeinflussen.It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method with which doped surface layers of back sides of crystalline silicon solar wafers can be removed inexpensively and with substrate-friendly handling of the solar wafers. The front page should not be changed in order not to negatively influence the cell license.
Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe mit einem Verfahren, das die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 aufweist, gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen und Weiterbildun- gen können mit den in den untergeordneten Ansprüchen bezeichneten Merkmalen erreicht werden.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments can be achieved with the features described in the subordinate claims.
Erfindungsgemäß wird dabei so verfahren, dass eine an sich bekannte Plasmaquelle, mit der ein großflächiges Plasma, mit einer Arbeitsbreite, die vorzugsweise den Abmessungen des Solarwafers entspricht (ca. 150 - 250 mm) , gebildet werden kann, eingesetzt und im Bereich des Atmosphärendruckes gearbeitet wird. Dabei kann in einem Druckbereich von ca. 300 Pa um den jeweiligen Umgebungsatmosphärendruck gearbeitet werden.According to the invention, the procedure is such that a plasma source known per se, with which a large-area plasma having a working width which preferably corresponds to the dimensions of the solar wafer (approximately 150-250 mm), is used and worked in the region of the atmospheric pressure becomes. It can be used in a pressure range of about 300 Pa to the respective ambient atmospheric pressure.
Solche Plasmaquellen sind als Lichtbogen- oder Mikrowellenquelle in DE 102 39 875 beschrieben, wobei bzgl. des Aufbaus und auch Betriebes solcher Plasma- quellen vollumfänglich auf deren Offenbarungsgehalt zurückgegriffen werden soll. Das Plasma kann aber auch mittels dielektrischer Entladung gebildet werden.Such plasma sources are described as an arc or microwave source in DE 102 39 875, wherein with respect to the structure and operation of such plasma sources should be fully used their disclosure content. The plasma can also be formed by means of dielectric discharge.
Das Plasma tritt aus mindestens einer Düse der Plasmaquelle vermischt mit einem Ätzgas bzw. Ätzgasgemisch aus (sog. Remote-Plasmaätzen) . In einer weiteren Variante kann das Ätzgas auch direkt durch die Plasmaquelle geführt werden (sog. Direkt- Plasmaätzen) . Durch die Plasmaenergie gebildete Radikale des Ätzgases führen zu einem Abtrag der Oberfläche und die dabei entstehenden gasförmigen Reaktionsprodukte werden mit der Gasströmung abgeführt.The plasma exits from at least one nozzle of the plasma source mixed with an etching gas or etching gas mixture (so-called remote plasma etching). In a further variant, the etching gas can also be passed directly through the plasma source (so-called direct plasma etching). Radicals of the etching gas formed by the plasma energy lead to a removal of the surface and the resulting gaseous reaction products are removed with the gas flow.
Es ist nicht zwingend erforderlich die gesamte Fläche der Rückseite dem Plasma auszusetzen. Es kann ausreichend sein lediglich Bereiche, bevorzugt Randzonen, der Rückseite zu berücksichtigen.It is not mandatory to expose the entire surface of the back to the plasma. It may be sufficient only to consider areas, preferably edge zones, of the back side.
Der Anteil des Ätzgases am Gesamtgasstrom sollte so gewählt werden dass eine effektive und rückstandsfreie Entfernung der dotierten Oberflächenschicht an der Rückseite erreicht wird, wobei die Entfernung im Wesentlichen in einem Reaktionsbereich, der vom un- mittelbar aus der Plasmaquelle austretenden Plasma bestimmt wird, erfolgt.The proportion of the etching gas in the total gas flow should be selected such that an effective and residue-free removal of the doped surface layer at the rear side is achieved, wherein the removal takes place essentially in a reaction region which is determined by the plasma emerging directly from the plasma source.
Der Abgasstrom wird dann radial nach außen abgeführt und strömt parallel zur rückseitigen Oberfläche, an der das Ätzen durchgeführt worden ist, entlang und wird über eine Absaugung entfernt.The exhaust stream is then discharged radially outward and flows parallel to the back surface where the etching has been performed, and is removed via an exhaust.
Die Absaugeinrichtung sollte dabei so ausgebildet sein, dass der Reaktionsbereich vollständig umschlos- sen ist und so betrieben werden, dass eine möglichst gleichmäßige Strömung ausgebildet ist und insbesonde- re eine Abrissströmung am radial äußeren Kantenbereich der jeweiligen Solarwafer vermieden werden kann. Dadurch kann ein Ätzumgriff vermieden und die gesamte dotierte Oberflächenschicht auf der Frontsei- te des Solarwafers beibehalten und für die Photovol- taik beim Betrieb der Zelle die gesamte Fläche genutzt werden.The suction device should be designed so that the reaction region is completely enclosed and operated in such a way that a flow which is as uniform as possible is formed and in particular a demolition flow on the radially outer edge region of the respective solar wafer can be avoided. As a result, it is possible to avoid etching attack and to retain the entire doped surface layer on the front side of the solar wafer and to use the entire area for the photovoltaics during operation of the cell.
Hierfür sollte das Gasgemisch mit einer linearen Strömungsgeschwindigkeit im Bereich 1 bis 20 m/s, bevorzugt bis 5 m/s über die rückseitige Oberfläche strömen.For this purpose, the gas mixture should flow over the rear surface at a linear flow rate in the range 1 to 20 m / s, preferably to 5 m / s.
Die Ätzzone sollte außerdem mittels einer Spülgaszu- führung gegenüber der Umwelt abgedichtet werden. Dabei wird ein inertes Spülgas, z.B. Stickstoff zugeführt. Die Spülgaszuführung soll dabei die Absaugeinrichtung und auch den Reaktionsbereich vollständig umschließen. Spülgas gelangt durch einen Spalt zwi- sehen rückseitiger Fläche der Solarwafer und Plasmaquelle einmal nach außen an die Umgebung und ein Teil des Spülgases wird über die Absaugeinrichtung mit abgeführt.The etch zone should also be sealed from the environment by means of a purge gas feed. An inert purge gas, e.g. Nitrogen supplied. The purge gas supply should completely enclose the suction device and also the reaction region. Purging gas passes through a gap between see back surface of the solar wafer and plasma source once out to the environment and a portion of the purge gas is discharged through the suction.
Geeignete Ätzgase sind fluorhaltige Gase wie CF4,Suitable etching gases are fluorine-containing gases such as CF 4 ,
CHF3, SF6, NF3 oder Chlorverbindungen, z.B. HCl, CCl4, SiHCl3/H2 Es kann auch ein Gasgemisch, beispielsweise durch Zumischen von Sauerstoff oder Wasserstoff eingesetzt werden.CHF 3 , SF 6 , NF 3 or chlorine compounds, eg HCl, CCl 4 , SiHCl 3 / H 2 It is also possible to use a gas mixture, for example by admixing oxygen or hydrogen.
Ätzgas sollte mit 0,5 bis 10, bevorzugt bis 5 Normlitern je Minute zugeführt werden.Etching gas should be supplied at 0.5 to 10, preferably to 5 Normlitern per minute.
Außerdem können dem Ätzgas Stickstoff zur Verdünnung zugegeben werden, wobei dies für NF3 mit 2 bis 7, bevorzugt bis 5 Normlitern je Minute erfolgen sollte. Es besteht aber auch die 'Möglichkeit mit dem Ätzgas Sauerstoff zuzuführen, wobei dies insbesondere bei CF4 und SFε günstig ist. Sauerstoff sollte mit 0,3 bis 1,5 Normlitern je Minute zugeführt werden. Mit zugeführtem Sauerstoff kann die Ätzrate erhöht werden und die entstehende Oberflächentextur beeinflußt werden.In addition, nitrogen can be added to the etching gas for dilution, and this should be done for NF 3 at 2 to 7, preferably to 5 Normlitern per minute. But there is also the 'possibility to supply oxygen with the etching gas, which is particularly favorable for CF 4 and SFε. Oxygen should be supplied at 0.3 to 1.5 standard liters per minute. With added oxygen, the etching rate can be increased and the resulting surface texture can be influenced.
Die angegebenen Gasvolumenströme für Ätzgas, Spülgas und Sauerstoff sind auf die üblichen Waferabmessungen von ca. 150 bis 250 mm bezogen und können aber bei größeren Flächen von Solarwafern entsprechend ange- passt werden.The specified gas volume flows for etching gas, purge gas and oxygen are based on the usual wafer dimensions of approx. 150 to 250 mm and can however be adapted accordingly for larger areas of solar wafers.
In Tabelle I sind geeignete Ätzgase und Gasmischungen mit erreichbaren statischen und dynamischen Ätzraten angegeben.In Table I suitable etching gases and gas mixtures are given with achievable static and dynamic etching rates.
Mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren kann auch ein p/n-Übergangsbereich rückseitig entfernt werden, so dass eine vollständige p/n-Isolierung an der Rückseite erreichbar ist. With the method according to the invention, a p / n junction region can also be removed on the back, so that complete p / n isolation at the back can be achieved.
Für die Plasmabildung kann Stickstoff, Argon, Wasserstoff und/oder Sauerstoff, überwiegend in Form von Gasmischungen eingesetzt werden. Ätzgase können unmittelbar in die Plasmaquelle aber auch erst in das bereits gebildete Plasma eingeführt werden.Nitrogen, argon, hydrogen and / or oxygen, predominantly in the form of gas mixtures, can be used for the plasma formation. Etching gases can be introduced directly into the plasma source but also into the already formed plasma.
Das Verfahren kann im Durchlauf betrieben werden, wo- bei einzelne Solarwafer translatorisch unter einerThe process can be operated in a continuous process, whereby individual solar wafers translate under one
Plasmaquelle hindurch bewegt werden können. Die eine Schlitzdüse oder mehrere Düsenöffnungen aus denen Plasma austritt sollten so gestaltet, angeordnet und dimensioniert sein, dass die gesamte Breite, orthogo- nal zur Bewegungsrichtung der Solarwafer überstrichen ist.Plasma source can be moved through. The one or more nozzle openings from which plasma emerges should be designed, arranged and dimensioned such that the entire width, orthogonal to the direction of movement of the solar wafers, is swept over.
Vorteilhaft sind an einer Plasmaquelle mehrere Düsenöffnungen aus denen Plasma mit freien Radikalen sowie Ätzgas auf die rückseitige Oberfläche gerichtet werden können. Die Plasmaquelle ist dabei so ausgebildet, dass um den eigentlichen Reaktionsbereich ein Spalt zwischen Plasmaquelle und rückseitiger Oberfläche von Solarwafern vorhanden ist, durch den Gas strömen kann.It is advantageous to have a plurality of nozzle openings at a plasma source from which plasma can be directed with free radicals and etching gas to the back surface. The plasma source is designed such that there is a gap between the plasma source and the rear surface of solar wafers around the actual reaction region, through which gas can flow.
Vorteilhaft ist es außerdem die einzelnen Solarwafer in Aufnahmen von Trägerelementen einzusetzen, mit denen sie transportiert werden können. Dabei sollten die Aufnahmen so dimensioniert sein, dass die Solarwafer nahezu passgenau aufgenommen werden können und nur ein geringes Spiel zwischen Aufnahme und äußerem Rand des jeweiligen Solarwafers verbleibt. Die rückseitige Oberfläche sollte möglichst bündig mit der Oberfläche eines Trägerelementes abschließen, bzw. in ihrer Höhe nur geringfügig darüber hinaus ragen.It is also advantageous to use the individual solar wafers in recordings of support elements, with which they can be transported. The images should be dimensioned so that the solar wafers can be recorded almost accurately and only a small clearance between the receptacle and the outer edge of the respective solar wafer remains. The back surface should be as flush as possible with the surface of a support element, or protrude only slightly beyond its height.
In dieser Form können die filigranen Solarwafer gut und schonend gehandhabt und transportiert werden, so dass auch Beschädigungen oder die Zerstörung vermie- den werden kann.In this form, filigree solar wafers can be handled and transported well and gently, so that damage or destruction can also be avoided.
Der erforderliche Raumbedarf einer Anlage für die Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ist gering. Es kann ein hoher Durchsatz erreicht werden und die Betriebskosten sind relativ gering. Außerdem können Gesundheitsbeeinträchtigungen vermieden werden und die Anforderungen für den Arbeitsschutz sind insbesondere im Vergleich zu nasschemischen Verfahren deutlich geringer.The required space requirement of a system for carrying out the method according to the invention is low. It can be achieved a high throughput and the operating costs are relatively low. In addition, health problems can be avoided and OSH requirements are significantly lower, especially when compared to wet chemical procedures.
Die Solarwafer können bereits vor Durchführung des Verfahrens mit einer Antireflex-Beschichtung aber auch danach versehen werden.The solar wafers can already be provided with an antireflection coating before the method is carried out.
Durch den Einfluss des Plasmas kann auch die Oberflächenbeschaffenheit der Rückseite verändert und eine Glättung mit reduzierter Oberflächenrauheit erreicht werden. Dadurch kann der Wirkungsgrad der Solarwafer verbessert werden. Die verbesserten Oberflächeneigen- schaften wirken sich auch positiv aus, wenn auf der Rückseite eine Kontaktierung ausgebildet oder eine zusätzliche Beschichtung, als Passivierung aufgebracht werden soll. So können besonders günstig dielektrische Schichten, z.B. aus Siliziumnitrid auf ei- ne entsprechend geglättete rückseitige Oberfläche abgeschieden werden. Mit dem Ätzschritt kann die Rückseite des Solarwafers mit einer Textur versehen werden, beispielsweise unter Ausbildung einer inversen Pyramidentextur mit Kantenlängen im Mikrometerbereich oder einer Nano- Textur. Damit kann eine Erhöhung der Lichtstrahlweglänge innerhalb der Solarwafer und eine erhöhte Absorption von Lichtstrahlung erreicht werden, was insbesondere bei dünnen Wafern zu einer Erhöhung des Wirkungsgrades beim Betrieb der fertig prozessierten Solarwafer führt.Due to the influence of the plasma, the surface texture of the back can also be changed and a smoothing with reduced surface roughness can be achieved. As a result, the efficiency of the solar wafers can be improved. The improved surface properties also have a positive effect if a contact is formed on the back or an additional coating is to be applied as a passivation. For example, dielectric layers, for example of silicon nitride, can be deposited on a correspondingly smoothed back surface in a particularly favorable manner. With the etching step, the back of the solar wafer can be provided with a texture, for example, to form an inverse pyramidal texture with edge lengths in the micrometer range or a nano-texture. Thus, an increase in the Lichtstrahlweglänge within the solar wafer and increased absorption of light radiation can be achieved, resulting in particular in thin wafers to increase the efficiency in the operation of the finished processed solar wafers.
Außerdem kann die Reflektivität reduziert werden. Dies geht auch aus dem in Figur 2 gezeigten Diagramm hervor. Dabei wurde die Reflektivität an einem Solarwafer nach der Durchführung des Verfahrens und ohne zusätzliche Antireflex-Beschichtung bestimmt. Der Kurvenverlauf 3 entspricht einem unbehandelten Solarwafer mit hoher Reflektivität. Der Kurvenverlauf 2 entspricht einer porösen Textur an der Rückseite und der Kurvenverlauf 1 einer Textur mit Pyramidenstruktur an der Rückseite.In addition, the reflectivity can be reduced. This is also evident from the diagram shown in FIG. The reflectivity was determined on a solar wafer after the implementation of the method and without additional antireflection coating. The curve 3 corresponds to an untreated solar wafer with high reflectivity. The curve 2 corresponds to a porous texture on the back and the curve 1 corresponds to a texture with pyramidal structure on the back.
Nachfolgende Tabelle II gibt mit unterschiedlichen Ätzgasen ausgebildete Texturen an Rückseiten von Si- lizium-Solarwafern nach dem Entfernen der dotierten Schicht wieder .Table II below shows textures formed with different etching gases on back sides of silicon solar wafers after removal of the doped layer.
Tabelle IITable II
In Figur 1 ist in schematischer Form ein Solarwafer dargestellt, bei dem ein Bereich der Oberfläche durch Ätzen bearbeitet und eine dotierte Schicht zumindest rückseitig und nicht an der Frontseite entfernt werden soll.FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a solar wafer in which a region of the surface is processed by etching and a doped layer is to be removed at least on the back and not on the front side.
Es kann auch eine n-dotierte Schicht, an Stelle einer der p-dotierten Schicht so entfernt werden. It is also possible to remove an n-doped layer in place of one of the p-doped layer.
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE102005029154 | 2005-06-17 | ||
| DE102005040596A DE102005040596B4 (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2005-08-16 | A method of removing a doped surface layer on backs of crystalline silicon solar wafers |
| PCT/DE2006/001058 WO2006133695A1 (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2006-06-14 | Method for the removal of doped surface layers on the back faces of crystalline silicon solar wafers |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP1891683A1 true EP1891683A1 (en) | 2008-02-27 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| EP06761679A Withdrawn EP1891683A1 (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2006-06-14 | Method for the removal of doped surface layers on the back faces of crystalline silicon solar wafers |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US8211323B2 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1891683A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102005040596B4 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2006133695A1 (en) |
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| DE102006042329B4 (en) * | 2006-09-01 | 2008-08-21 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. | A method for selective plasma chemical dry etching of phosphosilicate glass formed on surfaces of silicon wafers |
| KR20150063581A (en) | 2008-01-23 | 2015-06-09 | 솔베이 플루오르 게엠베하 | Process for the manufacture of solar cells |
| NL2002512C2 (en) * | 2009-02-10 | 2010-08-11 | Stichting Energie | Method and system for removal of a surface layer of a silicon solar cell substrate. |
| US9548224B2 (en) | 2010-05-11 | 2017-01-17 | Ultra High Vacuum Solutions Ltd. | Method and apparatus to control surface texture modification of silicon wafers for photovoltaic cell devices |
| GB2486883A (en) * | 2010-12-22 | 2012-07-04 | Ultra High Vacuum Solutions Ltd | Method and apparatus for surface texture modification of silicon wafers for photovoltaic cell devices |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| US3795557A (en) * | 1972-05-12 | 1974-03-05 | Lfe Corp | Process and material for manufacturing semiconductor devices |
| US4158591A (en) * | 1978-04-24 | 1979-06-19 | Atlantic Richfield Company | Solar cell manufacture |
| GB2250036B (en) * | 1990-10-26 | 1994-07-06 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Timber surface improving treatment process |
| US5637189A (en) * | 1996-06-25 | 1997-06-10 | Xerox Corporation | Dry etch process control using electrically biased stop junctions |
| JPH10178194A (en) * | 1996-12-19 | 1998-06-30 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Solar cell manufacturing method |
| US5767627A (en) * | 1997-01-09 | 1998-06-16 | Trusi Technologies, Llc | Plasma generation and plasma processing of materials |
| US5961772A (en) * | 1997-01-23 | 1999-10-05 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Atmospheric-pressure plasma jet |
| US6150628A (en) * | 1997-06-26 | 2000-11-21 | Applied Science And Technology, Inc. | Toroidal low-field reactive gas source |
| US6660643B1 (en) * | 1999-03-03 | 2003-12-09 | Rwe Schott Solar, Inc. | Etching of semiconductor wafer edges |
| DE10032955A1 (en) * | 2000-07-06 | 2002-01-24 | Roth & Rau Oberflaechentechnik | Arrangement for generation of low temperature plasma at atmospheric pressure, has electrode system or parts of it provided with electrical networks for matching impedance to output data of high frequency generators |
| DE10239875B4 (en) * | 2002-08-29 | 2008-11-06 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. | Method and device for the large-area coating of substrates under atmospheric pressure conditions |
| KR100476136B1 (en) | 2002-12-02 | 2005-03-10 | 주식회사 셈테크놀러지 | Apparatus for treating the surface of a substrate with atmospheric pressure plasma |
-
2005
- 2005-08-16 DE DE102005040596A patent/DE102005040596B4/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2006
- 2006-06-14 US US11/917,679 patent/US8211323B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-06-14 WO PCT/DE2006/001058 patent/WO2006133695A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2006-06-14 EP EP06761679A patent/EP1891683A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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| See references of WO2006133695A1 * |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
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| DE102005040596A1 (en) | 2006-12-21 |
| DE102005040596B4 (en) | 2009-02-12 |
| WO2006133695A1 (en) | 2006-12-21 |
| DE102005040596A8 (en) | 2007-04-05 |
| US8211323B2 (en) | 2012-07-03 |
| US20080305643A1 (en) | 2008-12-11 |
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