Silicon wafers

What is the main role of the notch (small cutout) on the edge of a silicon wafer?

  1. ATo indicate the reference crystal orientation
  2. BTo make the wafer lighter
  3. CTo drain cleaning solutions
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. To indicate the reference crystal orientation

The notch marks the crystal orientation of the wafer. Equipment detects the notch to align the wafer so that patterns are formed in the correct direction relative to the crystal. Smaller wafers used an orientation flat, a straight edge ground along part of the circumference.

Practice this topic Back to topic

More Silicon wafers questions

  1. Which correctly describes gettering?
  2. Which impurity is incorporated in relatively large amounts from the crucible into silicon crystals grown by the CZ method?
  3. What is the most appropriate order of steps for making wafers from a single-crystal ingot?
  4. Which correctly describes a typical method of manufacturing SOI wafers?
  5. Which crystal orientation is commonly used for silicon wafers for CMOS LSIs?