Patent ID: 7169686

Claim:
An apparatus for cutting at least one thin layer from a substrate or ingot forming element for an electronic, optoelectronic or optical component or sensor, wherein the substrate or ingot forming element includes a face and a weakened zone oriented substantially parallel thereto, with the weakened zone having a thickness that corresponds to that of the thin layer that is to be removed, the apparatus comprising means for generating a pulse of energy into the substrate or forming element wherein the pulse has a duration shorter than or of the same order as that needed 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; and means for directing the energy pulse completely uniformly over the entire surface, through the face and into the substrate or ingot forming element to cause cleavage to take place in the weakened zone as the energy of the pulse is absorbed therein.