Patent ID: 6368945
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A method for processing a silicon thin film sample to produce a crystalline silicon thin film, the film sample having a first edge and a second edge, the method comprising the steps of:(a) controlling a laser beam generator to emit a laser beam; (b) masking portions of the laser beam to generate patterned beamlets, each of the patterned beamlets impinging on the film sample and having an intensity which is sufficient to melt the film sample; (c) continuously scanning, at a first constant predetermined speed, the film sample so that impingement of the patterned beamlets moves along a first path on the film sample between the first edge and the second edge with the patterned beamlets; and (d) continuously scanning, at a second constant predetermined speed, the film sample so that impingement of the patterned beamlets moves along a second path on the film sample between the first edge and the second edge with the patterned beamlets, wherein at least one of the patterned beamlets has a predetermined width and a predetermined length, the predetermined length being greater than the predetermined width and extending along at least one of the first path and the second path.