This image shows a silicon wafer that has been partially melted and recrystallised, offering an insight into the material's behaviour under such conditions.

When silicon is partially melted and then allowed to recrystallise, the process can create varied and complex microstructures like those visible in the image. Such patterns may result from the molten silicon solidifying at various rates depending on local conditions, such as temperature gradients and material impurities.

The appearance of the silicon wafer in the image resembles turbulent, “stormy” water, which aptly describes the chaotic and intricate textures formed during the melting and recrystallisation process. These textures are not just visually striking but can affect the physical properties of the silicon, such as its electrical conductivity and mechanical strength.

This type of analysis is crucial in materials science, especially in fields like semiconductor manufacturing, where the microstructure of silicon can impact the performance of electronic devices.

Dr Pong is currently a project scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California.