NOVELTY - The laser, scanner and focusing optics are mounted as a compact unit (1) on a linear axis. During edge layer removal, relative movement takes place between the scanner field and the solar cell (2). Two movements are involved. The compact unit is moved transversely on the linear axis with respect to the transfer direction, the solar cell being fixed in position. Secondly, the solar cell is moved back and forth using the transfer system, the position of the unit being fixed.    USE - A unit removing the edge layer from a glass substrate solar cell, using a Q-switched diode-pumped neodymium laser.    ADVANTAGE - A very short, 10 nanosecond pulse is used. Operating at the same power, layer removal is more efficient with this pulse duration, in comparison with conventional rod- or disc lasers. The rectangular output beam is concentrated onto a sharp-edged focal area of the layer being removed. Simple optics suffice. Overlap losses of successive pulses are minimized. This contrasts with circular laser beams having a pronounced central maximum. Higher power densities are achieved. At 400 W mean power, removal rates of up to 80 cm2/s are achievable. This is adequate for current sizes of solar cell. Simple, robust construction is featured. Complexities of flying optics and use of fiber optics, are avoided. The beam focus is constant over the entire object in terms of its size, shape, direction and intensity distribution. The precisely-defined zone of action allows efficient, inexpensive suction equipment to be used to clear the debris. Damage potentially weakening the substrate, and other considerable disadvantages of particle-blasting, are avoided.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - In the laser processing region, the transfer system is divided in two (3.1, 3.2). This leaves a free gap, inside which the laser beam removes the functional layer. The laser beam passes through the glass substrate from below, to remove the functional layer on top. A suction opening (4) above the glass plate is guided along a second upper linear axis. It moves synchronously with the laser unit below. All material blasted-off by the laser pulses is captured, over the entire removal area. A clearance sensor monitors the spacing between solar cell and focusing optic. On departure from the desired value, the sensor signal controls an electromagnetic actuator correcting lens focal adjustment. The laser triangulation unit used, is also guided along the upper linear axis. The active medium of the laser is a neodymium vanadate crystal. This is end-face pumped using gallium arsenide laser diodes. The resonator is designed as a stable- or unstable hybrid. The resultant beam has a rectangular cross section, with uniform intensity profile. A high speed electro-optical modulator, Q-switches the resonator, generating pulse durations of about 10 ns. The laser is operated at about 50 kHz repetition frequency. The focusing optics are selected to produce at least 1 J/cm2 energy density at the focal point on the layer, over the pulse duration. The beam is focused down to a smaller rectangle on the layer. This has relatively-sharp edges. The focal rectangle is moved, being offset on each pulse, by an edge length minimizing overlap between successive pulses.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a perspective view of the laser station and equipment.    laser station casing (1)    solar cells (2)    segments of divided belt conveyor (3.1, 3.2)    suction head (4)    suction unit (5)