Breakage Reduction

Resonance Ultrasonic vibrations (RUV) methodology was developed and applied to access the mechanical quality of crystalline silicon wafers and solar cells. RUV approach is based on fast non-destructive measurement of specific resonance vibration mode generated in the tested object using an external ultrasonic transducer. Crack introduced into the object alters properties of the RUV peak which allows sensitive diagnostics of the crack appearance. The paper describes our recent results of applying the RUV method in an industrial environment to reduce a breakage rate in solar cell and solar module lines.