Overview
Silicon chips are at the heart of modern technology. This website explores the intricate process of transforming raw sand into the highly precise silicon chips used in electronics.
The Process
1. Mining and Purifying Silicon
Silicon is extracted from silica sand through reduction and purification, yielding electronic-grade silicon.
2. Crystal Growth
Single-crystal silicon ingots are formed using the Czochralski or Float-Zone processes.
3. Wafer Manufacturing
Silicon ingots are sliced into wafers, polished, and cleaned to prepare for semiconductor processing.
4. Semiconductor Processing
Photolithography, etching, doping, and other techniques build the intricate circuits on the wafers.
5. Testing and Dicing
Wafers are tested for functionality and diced into individual chips.
6. Packaging and Assembly
Chips are packaged, tested, and prepared for use in electronics.