Ribbon crystal end string with multiple individual strings

Abstract

A ribbon crystal has a body and end string within the body. At least one end string has a generally concave cross-sectional shape and is formed from at least two individual strings.

1 . A method of forming a ribbon crystal, the method comprising:
 providing a plurality of end strings, at least one of the end strings comprising at least two spaced apart individual strings;   adding molten material to a crucible; and   passing the end strings through the molten material causing the molten material to freeze above an interface to form a sheet of frozen material, the at least one end string having frozen molten material between its individual strings above the interface.   
     
     
         2 . The method as defined by  claim 1  wherein the molten material comprises silicon. 
     
     
         3 . The method as defined by  claim 1  wherein the individual strings each generally forms an elongated cross-sectional shape. 
     
     
         4 . The method as defined by  claim 1  wherein at least two end strings each have a plurality of spaced apart individual strings. 
     
     
         5 . The method as defined by  claim 4  wherein the at least two end strings each have frozen molten material between their respective individual strings above the interface. 
     
     
         6 . The method as defined by  claim 1  wherein the sheet has a thickness dimension, the individual strings of the at least one end string being spaced generally along the thickness dimension of the sheet.