San Diego — KIC, the leader of thermal process development and control products, and winner of multiple industry awards, announces the release of a thermal profiler that is specifically designed for the unique needs and challenges of the PV industry. The SunKIC benefits from several hardware and software innovations that help solar cell manufacturers better manage their thermal processes and hence increase their solar cell efficiency.

The compact form factor (19 millimeter/0.75" tall thermal shield) enables the SunKIC to pass through the tight furnace tunnel clearance, and the easy-to-use software makes for quick and convenient profiling. Exceptionally powerful analytical software helps users study and improve upon all the important aspects of the time-temperature profile. Additionally, it displays all relevant process data such as peak temperature, dwell time in various temperature ranges, slope gradients and more. The SunKIC software also measures “the area under the curve” at any given temperature level to further help users analyze the recorded profile.

KIC’s Process Window Index (PWI) instantly confirms whether the profile is acceptable. The SunKIC comes standard with a prediction feature that helps solar cell manufacturers improve upon furnace set points as well as their thermal process in general. The SunKIC, which is backed by 24/7 customer support and an unrivaled worldwide team of field service engineers, will start shipping in early August 2008.