Product Code: ICAL06_P533

On the Fly Cutting of Silicon Ribbon
Authors:
Rob Janoch, Evergreen Solar, Inc.; Marlboro MA USA
Presented at ICALEO 2006

To reduce the cost of its String Ribbon © solar panels, Evergreen Solar has developed automated laser cutting equipment that enables cutting silicon ribbon into wafers as it emerges from the growth furnaces. The laser source was chosen based on its ability to produce microcrack-free cuts that result in high yield wafers. The system functional requirements are reviewed, and the design philosophy and design features are discussed. System implementation issues and its current status are presented.