Floating Zone Growth of Silicon

Abstract The floating zone (FZ) technique changed from a crucible-free purification method into a growth technique mainly for high purity silicon crystals. The melt zone is inductively heated by the high frequency magnetic field of a sophisticated one-turn induction coil being the heart of the FZ growth. The needle-eye technique allows for crystals with large diameters beyond the capillary limitations of a cylindrical zone, but both electric breakthrough at the coil slit and bursting of the crystal by thermomechanical stress presently limit the diameter to 200 mm. A novel gFZ concept is depicted that works with granular silicon feedstock instead of expensive feed rods. The automation of the…