Emerging substrate
Ultra-thin flexible glass with thicknesses equal to or lower than 100 μm opens up opportunities for new applications, especially in the area of high-end electronics and optics. It paves the way for the development of thin, light, robust, curved and bendable devices. With a bendability similar to other web materials, ultra-thin glass excels polymers in dimensional and thermal stability and chemical resistance. Thus, ultra-thin glass is a perfect light weight substrate for high quality functional layers and layer stacks.
Applications
- Automotive interior / exterior design
- Displays
- Wearables
- Sensors
- High-tech optics
- Smart surfaces
- Smart windows
- Building integration
- Photovoltaics
- Energy storage systems
Research focuses
Fraunhofer FEP develops technical solutions for flexible glass processing and conducts research on the impact of processing on the reliability of flexible glass. Another research focus is the adaptation of existing processes to the special needs of flexible glass. Moreover, Fraunhofer FEP is working on the efficient large area deposition of homogeneous coatings based on complex layer stacks, e. g. edge filters (Fig. 4). For example, the optimization of sputter parameters,leads to adjustable mechanical stress values while still retaining a reasonable physical density and refractive indices for environmentally stable, shift-free optical single or multilayer systems.
Our offer
Fraunhofer FEP is specialized in flexible glass functionalization representative for industrial scale. We use an innovative process chain comprising an ultrasonic wet cleaning line and professional inspection, handling and coating equipment, all under cleanroom conditions as well as the respective metrology. Our capabilities in thin-film deposition are outlined below:
Test equipment for strength and reliability testing
Fraunhofer FEP offers several testing facilities and extensive know-how regarding parameter fields for successful flexible glass functionalization. Besides the multitude of thin film characterization methods, suitable test machines are available for strength and fatigue testing of uncoated and coated glass.
