Semiconductor wafers recrystallized in a partially surrounding thin film capsule

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9932689
SERIAL NO

14155546

Stats

ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

Loading Importance Indicators... loading....

Abstract

See full text

An original wafer, typically silicon, has the form of a desired end PV wafer. The original may be made by rapid solidification or CVD. It has small grains. It is encapsulated in a clean thin film, which contains and protects the silicon when recrystallized to create a larger grain structure. The capsule can be made by heating a wafer in the presence of oxygen, or steam, resulting in silicon dioxide on the outer surface, typically 1-2 microns. At least one support element supports the wafer at the time the capsule is provided and blocks only minimal surface area from contact with the film forming atmosphere. There may be a plurality of support elements, or a surface may provide such support. The capsule contains the molten material during recrystallization, and protects against impurities. Recrystallization may be in air. After recrystallization, the capsule is removed.

Loading the Abstract Image... loading....

First Claim

See full text

Family

Loading Family data... loading....

Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY77 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE CAMBRIDGE MA 02139

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Hantsoo, Eerik T Atlanta, US 6 24
Sachs, Emanuel M Newton, US 67 3490
Serdy, James G Boston, US 8 430

Cited Art Landscape

Load Citation

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cite Landscape

Load Citation

Maintenance Fees

Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee due date
7.5 Year Payment $3600.00 $1800.00 $900.00 Oct 3, 2025
11.5 Year Payment $7400.00 $3700.00 $1850.00 Oct 3, 2029
Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee
Surcharge - 7.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge - 11.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable $700.00 $350.00 $175.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional $1,640.00 $820.00 $410.00