摘要 |
A method of preparing a silicon melt in a crucible for use in the manufacture of cast silicon, wherein the crucible comprises an opening, an opposing bottom surface, and at least one sidewall joining the opening and the bottom surface. The method comprises charging a silicon spacer to the bottom surface of the crucible; arranging a monocrystalline silicon seed crystal on the silicon spacer such that no surface of the monocrystalline silicon material is in contact with the bottom surface of the crucible; charging polycrystalline silicon feedstock to the crucible; and applying heat through at least one of the opening and the at least one sidewall in order to form a partially melted charge of silicon in the crucible. |