Motivation
Crystal growth is a very up-to-date domain, with real perspectives in obtaining new materials that will influence the technical progress in different fields (electronics, photovoltaic, optics, lasers, medicine, etc.). In spite of promising results, crystal growth is confronted with some fundamental problems. Solving these problems will make possible the use of better materials in technical applications. Through the realization of the current project (by implementation of an electromagnetic stirring method in directional solidification method), a new way would be opened for the improvement of the quality of multicrystalline silicon for photovoltaic applications. A better control of melt convection will improve the quality and yield of the solidification process by influencing the interface shape and dopant and impurities distribution in a beneficial way.
The technological benefits of understanding the effect of forced melt stirring on the impurity segregation and will facilitate the further development of directional solidification method for growth of multicrystalline Silicon for photovoltaic applications.
The research group includes two young investigators, PhD students; they will benefit from the high level facilities and will work in an experienced team on a hot research direction in the photovoltaic industry.
Expertise in this domain would constitute a premise for switching to industrial applications, finally leading to an overall improvement of the characteristics of materials used in photovoltaic applications. In conclusion, this project can assure the scientific support required for the technological progress in solar cell industry, also showing promising economical results.