Patent ID: 6951799
Filing Date: 2005-10-04
Classification: B23K,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of cutting at least one thin layer from a substrate or ingot forming element for an electronic, optoelectronic or optical component or sensor, the method comprising: forming a weakened zone in the substrate or ingot forming element, the weakened zone having a thickness that corresponds to that of a first thin layer that is to be removed; and directing a pulse of energy into the substrate or forming element wherein the pulse has a duration that is shorter than or of the same order of magnitude as the time required by a sound wave to pass through the thickness of the weakened zone, and the energy of the pulse is sufficient to cause cleavage to take place in the weakened zone as the energy of the pulse is absorbed therein, thereby detaching the first thin layer from the substrate, wherein the substrate or ingot forming element has a face oriented substantially parallel to the weakened zone and the energy pulse is completely uniformly directed over the entire surface through that face and into the substrate or ingot forming element.