Apparatus for oriented solidification of melts in crucibles, especially production of mono- or multi-crystalline silicon, comprises induction heater mounted on base of crucible or plate which supports it

摘要

Apparatus for oriented solidification of melts in crucibles comprises an induction heater (2) mounted on the base of the crucible or a plate (5) which supports it. Independent claims are included for: (A) a method for oriented solidification of melts in crucibles using the apparatus; and (B) use of the apparatus or method to produce mono- or multi-crystalline silicon by a vertical gradient freeze (VGF) process, which is useful as a starting material for photovoltaic components.