Combing in the energy
any size panel. The width of these scribe precision. to increase the rate they process materials
lines is user configurable and is made by For the highest accuracy and in-line without having to compromise quality.
selecting the number of desired adjacent intelligence, the solid state laser scribing Solid state laser systems also have one
passes. Finally, these machines can be clean tool offers an optional laser auto focus of the quickest installations and start up
room compatible. mechanism. Accuracy is further increased times when compared to similar systems.
due to the heavy duty solid steel welded This “Plug and play” technology ensures
accuracy and speed frame with granite table and granite production managers that they can be up
With large-area devices required for bridge, isolated with a passive vibration and running in an hour instead of days.
realistic applications, thin-film device isolation system and customized holding Due to the increased speed and accuracy,
fabrication becomes complex and requires fixtures. Additionally, the adjustable solid state laser equipped tools are
proper control over the entire process loading and unloading positions allow for capable of replacing slower, less accurate
sequence. Additionally, understanding in-line integration. manufacturing equipment, giving users
that low-cost thin film manufacturers As a final point, these thin film laser greater processing capabilities.
able to compete against multicrystalline scribing tools may also be configured These machines are also eco-friendly
module producers on performance will with a higher emphasis on throughput, due to the fact that solid state lasers
seize market share, the LaserComb™, processing single panels in parallel, require no consumable gases, operate on
TFPV solid state laser scribing system reducing human interaction and greatly little power, have a small footprint and
was developed. This tools’ emphasis is on reducing takt time. can “plug and play” into a 120-volt outlet.
lowering manufacturing costs through Combining this innovation and Additionally, the solid state laser scribing
precision, high-throughput processing. technology increases the overall TFPV systems have very few replacement parts
The system is ideal for applications which panel throughput and production can be and a 100,000 hour maintenance-free head
require not only speed, but precision scribe significantly increased, resulting in a lower which allows for continued production
positioning and accurate laser processing. cost per unit. with no service interruptions.
Utilizing a proprietary system,
substrates are rapidly scribed at a speed low operating costs ease of operation
of up to 2 meters per second. Creating With a combination of stability and Solid state laser thin film scribing systems
a plurality of precise scribe lines on precision, TFPV scribing systems, provide a laser-safe viewing window with
the glass substrate, the propriety optics using solid state lasers, provide faster laser radiation safety ratings. They also
rapidly roll through the TF layers. The production, improved process yields and include a user-friendly, process oriented
laser is able to comb through the glass reduced downtime. These issues are major Graphical User Interface (GUI) control
coatings, simultaneously creating up to 120 concerns for most production plants. system and touch screen interface
scribe lines in just one pass. This system Solid state laser systems have the fastest providing full access to all critical
will scribe P1/P2/P3 at a 30 to 45 sec scribing speeds when compared to other system functions and user-configurable
throughput with the required accuracy and technologies. This allows manufacturers parameters. The system provides the
operators the ability to control: the load/
Parameter Value
unload sequence, vision panel alignment
including full control of camera lighting,
Vacuum table size selection Per customer requirements scribe line spacing and cell-to-cell
Vacuum table designs Sintered metal vacuum table. Contact free air cushion for
pitch adjustment, and initiate scribe.
panel hovering.
The operator can also setup of scribe
parameters including: scribe velocity, laser
Vacuum zone selection N/A due to proprietary vacuum/hovering technology on the
repetition rate and average power for fast
hold down table
and accurate laser scribing.
Deletion speed Up to 12 m/s
The solid state laser thin film scribing
system is a fully automated solution that
Imaging speed Up to 1000 CPS
was designed for full production thin film
Laser spot size 25-100 mkm photovoltaic manufacturing environments.
It offers an innovative, but simple
Straightness +/- 20 mkm on 150 mm
manufacturing processes that provides a
Line width 50-200 mkm (adjustable)
fast, flexible, and accurate means to scribe
Image field size coverage 220 mm x 270 mm
thin-film solar panels.
Maximum substrate size Scalable to generation B and larger glass panels
Surface temperature 100˚-150˚C
Maureen McHale’s work has been
featured in numerous industry
HAX Minimized to 10 micron
publications. McHale currently directs
Chipping None the marketing and public relations
Residue Dry
for Advanced Solar Photonics, whose
laser equipment, thin film panels and
After process cleaning Application specific
monocrystalline modules are produced in
requirements
the only factory of its kind in the state of
Table 1. System capabilities.
Florida.
www.globalsolartechnology.com
Global Solar Technology – May/June 2009 – 17
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