In order to achieve the reduction of manufacturing costs and to increase the efficiency in parallel, manufacturers of solar cells readily invest in state-of-the-art production lines. In such fabs, the utilization of lasers guarantees high efficiency and throughput at best attainable precision and minor damage to the cells.

3D-Micromac AG now offers its laser micromachining workstation microSTRUCT PVario and therewith includes a system into its product portfolio, which is especially used for photovoltaic applications in research and development environments. The system is suitable for the processing of fragile silicon wafers and thin-film systems. 

Hence, laser technologies for the back-contact cell design such as EWT and MWT laser drilling, laser edge isolation, LFC (laser fire contacts), and laser surface structuring of mono- and polycrystalline solar cells can be used. The most important machining procedures for thin-film technology on glass and flexible substrates that can be processed by microSTRUCT PVario include edge isolation, laser surface structuring in process steps P1, P2 and P3, and laser marking. In addition, due to the system’s flexibility to adapt, it can perform a wide range of other micromachining tasks, such as micro drilling, micro structuring, and micro cutting of different materials.  

Because of the possibility to adapt the system to different configurations the workstation is suitable for applications both in R&D and industry. The modular concept allows an adaption on further tasks of the customer in the future. On request there is a possibility to retrofit the system with different automation systems, such as wafer and substrate handling systems.  

The system can be equipped with up to two different laser sources depending on customers’ needs. Options, which can be selected, are short pulse, disc, and fiber lasers with different wavelengths and pulse durations. Depending on the chosen laser source it is possible to machine materials with highest thermal conductivities, lowest melting points, and as well as transparent dielectric, superconducting or organic materials.

About 3D-Micromac AG
 
3D-Micromac AG, a leading supplier of customized laser micro machining systems, has gained an established position in the international market over the past several years. As a developer and manufacturer of complex workstations, as a service provider for materials and surface machining or as a solution provider for the development of specific production processes - we are able to find the best solution for every customer’s task.

Further information and pictures: 

3D-Micromac AG

Mrs. Mandy Gebhardt
Marketing & Public Relations
Technologie-Campus 8
D-09126 Chemnitz, GERMANY

Phone: +49 (0)371 400 43-26
Fax: +49 (0)371 400 43-40
E-Mail: gebhardt@3d-micromac.com