The alliance is investigating the use of Synova’s Laser MicroJet (LMJ) technology with liquids other than pure water to prove LMJ’s viability for wafering and microstructuring applications. Specifically, the alliance is exploring LMJ for laser chemical processing, an approach that extends beyond laser chemical etching to other processes.
Through this concerted research effort, the alliance members expect to produce a superior alternative to conventional lasers, chemical processes, diamond blade saws and multi-wire slurry saws, aimed to increase solar cell efficiency while lowering overall cell cost.
Synova said that its LMJ technology is a proven entity in the integrated circuit market due to its manufacturing and end-device performance advantages. It reportedly offers improved cell integrity by eliminating heat and silicon surface damage, as well as contamination from the process debris.
