Polysilicon refers to a material composed of many silicon atoms. The spelling of this word can be explained through IPA phonetic transcription as /ˌpɒliˈsɪlɪkɒn/. The first syllable "poli" is pronounced with a short "o" sound followed by a long "i" sound, while the second syllable "sil" is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a soft "l". The final syllable "icon" is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a hard "k" sound and a short "o" sound.
Polysilicon is a term that refers to a type of material commonly used in the electronics industry, particularly in the production of semiconductor devices. It is a form of silicon that is composed of multiple silicon atoms arranged in a crystalline structure, hence the prefix "poly," meaning many.
In its purest form, polysilicon is a highly pure and refined material with a silicon purity level of at least 99.9999%. It exhibits excellent electrical properties and is a widely sought after material for manufacturing various electronic components, including integrated circuits, solar cells, and sensors.
The production process of polysilicon involves the conversion of metallurgical-grade silicon, commonly known as "raw silicon," into a more refined form. This transformation usually includes several purification steps, such as chemical purification and zone refining, to eliminate impurities and achieve the desired level of purity.
Polysilicon is known for its high conductivity, low thermal expansion coefficient, and exceptional ability to withstand high temperatures. It serves as a crucial building block in the fabrication of microchips and solar cells. The electronics industry heavily relies on polysilicon due to its desirable electrical properties, which enable the efficient flow and control of electric current in electronic devices.
The use of polysilicon in the solar industry has also gained significant importance in recent years with the rise in demand for renewable energy sources. It is a key component in the photovoltaic cells of solar panels, where it acts as a semiconductor material by absorbing sunlight and generating electricity.
The word "polysilicon" is derived from a combination of two terms: "poly" and "silicon".
The prefix "poly" comes from the Greek word "polus", meaning "many" or "much". In English, it is often used as a prefix to indicate something that is composed of many parts or elements.
"Silicon", on the other hand, originates from the Latin word "silicis", which refers to flint or hard stone. It is a chemical element with the symbol Si, atomic number 14, and is widely used in various industries, particularly in electronics and semiconductors.
Therefore, when combined, "polysilicon" essentially means "many parts of silicon". It is used to describe a form of silicon that consists of multiple small crystals or grains, typically used in the production of solar cells, semiconductors, and other electronic devices.