Ribbon growing method and apparatus

Abstract

A method and apparatus are described which facilitate the growing of silicon ribbon. A container for molten silicon has a pair of passages in its bottom through which filaments extend to a level above the molten silicon, so as the filaments are pulled up they drag up molten silicon to form a ribbon. A pair of guides surround the filaments along most of the height of the molten silicon, so that the filament contacts only the upper portion of the melt. This permits a filament to be used which tends to contaminate the melt if it is in long term contact with the melt. This arrangement also enables a higher melt to be used without danger that the molten silicon will run out of any bottom hole.