Patent ID: 6036932
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: C01B,H01L,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
A method for the purification of silicon which comprises the steps of:(a) melting low-grade silicon in a first crucible to form a melt of silicon at a temperature in the range from 1500.degree. C. to 1650.degree. C. in an atmosphere of an inert gas selected from the group consisting of argon, helium and nitrogen under a reduced pressure;(b) bringing a first end of an elongated linear fiber compact body of a refractory material into contact with the melt of silicon in the first crucible to cause infiltration and migration of the melt of silicon by the capillary phenomenon through the elongated linear fiber compact body toward the second end thereof held at a lower level than the first end in contact with the melt of silicon in the first crucible thereby removing phosphorus, boron and any metallic impurities from the low grade silicon; and(c) receiving the melt of silicon transferred through the elongated linear fiber compact body and discharged out of the second end thereof as an effluent in a second crucible as a receptacle.