Laser-Induced Crystallization of Silicon on Bulk Amorphous Substrates: An Overview

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this paper we review the current understanding of laser-induced silicon thin film crystal growth on bulk amorphous substrates. We propose a model for oriented nucleation and show that the silicon reflectivity jump on melting coupled with radiant heating lead naturally to this autonucleation mechanism. We then survey various techniques for control of lateral epitaxial growth and conclude with the results of some recent electrical device characterization.