Cold crucible induction casting of semiconductor silicon for solar cell

Cold-crucible induction casting of silicon for solar cell material was performed. In the casting, molten silicon was heated and pinched electromagnetically, allowing the metal to avoid contact with the crucible wall. Hence, impurities were prevented and crucible consumption was unnecessary. The cold crucible used was an open-bottom type, having an 85 mm×85 mm cross section. The silicon material was fed continuously from the open top of the crucible, and the ingot was pulled down at a rate of 1.0 to 4.0 mm/min. Solar cell efficiencies above 13% were obtained, equal to conventional mold methods using cast silicon