Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100252543 | LASER-SCRIBING TOOL ARCHITECTURE - The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and systems for laser scribing a vertically-oriented workpiece. In many embodiments, a laser-scribing apparatus includes a frame, a first fixture coupled with the frame, a second fixture coupled with the frame, a laser operable to generate output able to remove material from at least a portion of the workpiece, and a scanning device coupled with the laser and the frame. The first fixture is configured for engagement with a first portion of the workpiece. The second fixture is configured for engagement with a second portion of the workpiece. When the workpiece is engaged by the first and second fixtures the workpiece is substantially vertically oriented. The scanning device is operable to control a position of the output from the laser relative to the workpiece. | 10-07-2010 |
20100314367 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR LASER-SCRIBED LINE ALIGNMENT - Methods and systems for laser-scribing lines within a controlled separation from previously-formed lines are provided. A laser-scribing method includes providing a workpiece having a plurality of previously-scribed lines, forming a first adjacent scribed line adjacent to a first previously-scribed line, using an imaging device to measure a position of a previously-scribed line, using the imaging device to measure a position of the first adjacent scribed line, and using the measured positions to control the formation of a second adjacent scribed line adjacent to a second previously-scribed line. | 12-16-2010 |
20110033970 | METHODS AND RELATED SYSTEMS FOR THIN FILM LASER SCRIBING DEVICES - Methods and related systems for fabricating a solar-cell assembly are provided. An example method comprises forming a series of layers and scribing a series of aligned interconnect lines in the layers prior to forming any isolation line related features. The example method provides for the use of contiguously-scribed interconnect lines as compared to an existing method where at least one interconnect line is segmented to avoid scribing through a previously-formed isolation line related feature located where an isolation line is to be scribed. The ability to use contiguously-scribed interconnect lines may improve the throughput of the fabrication process. | 02-10-2011 |
20110198322 | IN-LINE METROLOGY METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SOLAR CELL FABRICATION - In-line metrology methods and systems for use with laser-scribing systems used in solar-cell fabrication are disclosed. Such methods and systems can involve a variety of components, for example, a device for measuring the amount of power input to a laser, a power meter for measuring laser output power, a beam viewer for measuring aspects of a laser beam, a height sensor for measuring a workpiece height, a microscope for measuring workpiece features formed by the laser-scribing system, and a system for monitoring a laser-scribing system and annunciating a warning(s) and/or an error message(s) when operational limits are exceeded. In-line metrology methods can also include the processing of output beam reflections so as to track beam drift over time and/or provide for focusing of an imaging device. | 08-18-2011 |
20140083407 | WAFER SAWING SYSTEM - A wafer sawing system and a method of sawing an ingot in a wafer sawing system are described. The system includes an ingot input module, an ingot output module, two or more wire sawing chambers that each comprise: two wire guide cylinders, at least one wire disposed across both of the wire guide cylinders, a support table that is configured to receive a single ingot, and an ingot positioning system that is configured to urge the single ingot disposed on the support table against the at least one wire, and a robot that is configured to transfer the single ingot between the ingot input module, at least one of the two or more wire sawing chambers and the ingot output chamber. | 03-27-2014 |