Abstract:
This invention relates to a method and reactor for continuous production of semiconductor grade silicon by decomposition of a silicon containing gas of ultra-high purity to particulate silicon and other decomposition products in a free-space reactor and in which the gaseous stream of decomposition gas is set into a swirl motion. Optionally the method and reactor also includes means for melting the formed particulate silicon to obtain a continuous phase of elementary silicon, and then casting the liquid silicon to form solid objects of semiconductor grade silicon.