Application Newsletter

System: Advanced Solar Photonics' Blackstar

Material: PV Cell
Laser Type: Pulsed Fiber Laser (1mj @ 20kHz, 1064nm)
Two setup and five final sample wafers from a “30 wafer set” were processed on Advanced Solar
Photonics’ BlackStar™ machine. The BlackStar™ was equipped with Q-switched fiber laser (1mJ @
20kHz, 20W average) working together with air/water jet that cools the wafer and effectively
removes debris from the cut line.

The following speeds were used:

• At 20mm/sec wafer (blue) and circuits (white) were cut through completely in one pass.

• At 25mm/sec wafer (blue) was cut through, but circuits (white) were not.

• At faster speeds wafer was not cut through, and the depth of the scribe lines was
inverted-proportional to the speed. However, if a more powerful laser is used, then the
speed could be increased respectively. For example, using 1mJ @ 50kHz Q-switched fiber
laser (50W average) could double the cutting speed.

The photo below shows a holding

ring with wafer glued to the film,
used on the machine.

The BlackStar™ is a Wafer Dicing System

utilizing Fantom Wafer Dicing
Technology™ (FWDT™) invented and
patented by ASP’s parent company,
Fonon Technology International.

Solar panels have the highest value

at the dicing stage which is a direct
function of the BlackStar.™ ASP’s
BlackStar™ increases the yield per
panel and maximizes throughput
while minimizing the heat affected
zone (HAZ) specifically for solar cells
and low-K substrates. This system is
used for dicing many semiconductor materials and silicon composites in solar panel production
producing wafers three to five times mechanically stronger without additional edge
processing. The BlackStar™ is the alternative to mechanical saws which may damage thin and
complex solar cell materials and substrates while cutting. With the BlackStar™ there will be no
micro cracks, fragmentation or chipping. It's plug and play characteristics gives the system ease
of installation and quick start up times. WATCH the BlackStar™ in action NOW!

Advanced Solar Photonics is the cutting-edge developer of laser equipment for solar panel processing,
thin-film solar cells, and commercial solar products for the solar industry. Our various
technologies can increase production and efficiency, minimize waste, and in some cases, increase
the overall efficiency of the PV cells. For more information, visit www.advancedsolarphotonics.com or
call direct (407) 829-2613.