Patent ID: 6814802
Filing Date: 2004-11-09
Classification: C30B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for continuously growing multiple semiconductor ribbons concurrently in a single crucible, the method comprisingproviding a crucible having multiple meniscus shapers disposed in a spaced relationship therein; forming a melt from a semiconductor material disposed in the crucible, the multiple meniscus shapers separating the melt into a plurality of distinct melt subregions; arranging multiple pairs of strings relative to the multiple meniscus shapers, each pair of strings (i) having a fixed distance therebetween, (ii) emerging from one of the distinct melt subregions, and (iii) defining a pair of edges of a meniscus and controlling the width of a ribbon; and continuously pulling the multiple pairs of strings away from a surface of the melt to form multiple discrete and substantially flat semiconductor ribbons.