Orientation relationship between b-Si3N4 and Si in multicrystalline silicon ingots for PV applications

Abstract

β-Si3N4 particles are thought to be nucleation sites for silicon in multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) ingots for PV applications. The orientation relationship (OR) between Si and β-Si3N4 has been investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The following OR was found by analyzing diffraction patterns from a site specific sample prepared by focused ion beam (FIB) The β-Si3N4 particle was identified as a likely nucleation site based on the grain boundaries (GB) extending from it. It was shown that these GBs were Σ3 boundaries. The nucleation process was discussed as a source for formation of twins in mc-Si.