Sep 18 2010
Holst Centre and Coherent have collaborated to research on future flexible electronics applications. Coherent provides laser-based solutions for scientific and commercial research markets, while Holst is an initiative by TNO and imec.
Coherent’s expertise in modern laser devices support Holst’s plan to increase the spotlight on its research on various integration technologies for flexible electronics.
Deposition and selective removal of thin layers remains a major difficulty for future applications of flexible systems such as signage and lighting based on OLEDs (organic light emitting diodes), or OPV (organic photovoltaics). The OLED and OPV devices comprise minute multilayer stacks. As a result, even a meager amount of debris can create defects in the devices and will render them inoperable.
Coherent and Holst Centre plan to integrate a short-pulse laser source in the electronic foils equipment. The processing equipment will be utilized for laser ablation in sheet-to-sheet creation of organic photovoltaics and organic light emitting diode devices. The capability of the laser to comply with reduced processing enables roll-to-roll production at a later stage. This transition is critical for low-cost production of flexible electronics.
Coherent plans to use the application results and will adopt them to improve its expertise flexible electronics production.
Source: http://www.coherent.com