Silicon-the cornerstone of chip materials

Silicon materials are divided into monocrystalline silicon and polycrystalline silicon according to the arrangement of the unit cells. The biggest difference between monocrystalline silicon and polycrystalline silicon is that the cell rows of monocrystalline silicon are ordered, while polycrystalline silicon is disordered. In terms of manufacturing methods, polysilicon is generally directly poured into the crucible to melt, and then cooled. Single crystal silicon is formed by pulling a single crystal (Czochralski method). In terms of physical properties, the characteristics of the two kinds of silicon are quite different. Monocrystalline silicon has strong electrical conductivity and high photoelectric conversion efficiency. The photoelectric conversion efficiency of monocrystalline silicon is generally around 17% to 25%, and the efficiency of polycrystalline silicon is below 15%.