Abstract
In this communication we report on infrared analysis of the SiOx-like defects segregated close to the surface of the edge-defined film-fed growth polycrystalline ribbons. These defects cause an absorption band very similar to that of the SiOx phase, but they are thermally unstable, and can be annealed by 650 °C thermal treatment. It is concluded that they are quenched high-temperature defects formed during the film growth. Possible nucleation centers for those defects are found to be C and/or SiC aggregates close to the surface.