Laser Connect Workshop, M-Solv Ltd., Oxford,UK
14 May 2014
Highlights
M-Solv and partners demonstrated a new pilot R2R process line for additive and subtractive manufacturing for large area electronics based on thin flexible glass.
Thin Flexible Glass and the R2R process offers a key opportunity to realise a highly competitive advanced manufacturing solution at the interface of four key enabling technologies of advanced materials, photonics, micro- and nano-electronics, and nanotechnology.
The R2R manufacturing platform, based on thin flexible glass, is considered key to bridging the "valley of death" which often prevents the exploitation of scientific research for these key enabling technologies.
M-Solv, Timsons, and NCLA are open to partnering with strategic partners to address future challenges and opportunities.
M-Solv and partners demonstrated a new pilot R2R process line for additive and subtractive manufacturing for large area electronics based on thin flexible glass.
Thin Flexible Glass and the R2R process offers a key opportunity to realise a highly competitive advanced manufacturing solution at the interface of four key enabling technologies of advanced materials, photonics, micro- and nano-electronics, and nanotechnology.
The R2R manufacturing platform, based on thin flexible glass, is considered key to bridging the "valley of death" which often prevents the exploitation of scientific research for these key enabling technologies.
M-Solv, Timsons, and NCLA are open to partnering with strategic partners to address future challenges and opportunities.
Photograph of delegates attending the Laser Connect / M-Solv workshop on R2R manufacturing for thin flexible glass held in Oxford on 14 May 2014.
Introduction
Thin flexible glass has the potential to spawn some exciting breakthroughs; the approach is catching a wave of what is "suddenly possible" spanning advanced materials, photonics, nano and micro-electronics, and nanotechnology.
To realise the full potential of this development for UK and European manufacturing, there is a need to identify how this new technology platform can address what is "desperately needed".
This question was the central motivation for the second Laser-Connect workshop, entitled "Development & Exploitation of Processes for Thin Flexible Glass".
The workshop was held in M-Solv Ltd., Oxford on 14th of May 2014. M-Solv co-hosted the event with its strategic partners, Timsons Ltd. and NCLA NUI Galway. Timsons is a company, located in Kettering, with whom M-Solv have developed a new roll to roll (R2R) manufacturing platform for thin flexible glass. The NCLA NUI Galway is an academic research laboratory with whom M-Solv collaborate under the FP7 Laser Connect project.
The Workshop
In excess of 60 attendees attended what was a vibrant and informative workshop. The central theme of the meeting concerned thin flexible glass, a new disruptive material for large area electronics. The primary objective of the workshop was to get a better understanding of where thin flexible glass will be used as a substrate for new devices and where R2R processing, with additive and subtractive process steps, is likely to be applied.
In the first presentation, Phil Rumsby presented M-Solv's ambition for large area electronics based on thin flexible glass and R2R technology. In particular, he emphasised the potential for many different processes relevant to large area electronics, to be based on the interplay of subtractive laser –based processes and additive inkjet and spray –based process steps.
Elmar Guenther, Schott AG, next identified key societal and technology trends relevant to thin flexible glass. The societal trends include the significant need for renewable and mobile energy sources, mobile computing, smart infrastructure, and efficient productive platforms for an increasingly urbanised and cost –sensitive society. The technology trends centred on flexible printed electronics, organic lighting and photovoltaic’s, advanced batteries, and 3D integration of integrated circuits. Elmar conveyed how glass composite materials can combine advantages of different material types, however, up to now, no standard processes for ultrathin glass exists. He stressed how processing technologies are the key enablers of usage of ultrathin glass in printed electronics and that the handling of ultrathin glasses in the production processes is a key challenge.
Stefan Mogck, Fraunhofer COMEDD, presented their experience of developing OLED lighting technologies based on thin flexible polymer and glass substrates. Stefan outline the limitations to polymer substrates such as water ingress, the requirement for low temperature processing and the mechanical stress associated with transparent coatings. He proposed the opportunity for thin flexible glass to enable high temperature processes on materials with greater chemical robustness.
Robin Taylor, Atotech Ltd., identified the areas of potential growth for thin flexible glass; this centres on automated technologies for mobile computing, display and battery sectors. Robin described the complexity of thermal compression bonding for thin glass materials and identified an urgency for developing technologies for through and blind via-hole drilling within the next twelve months
Gerard O’Connor, NCLA NUI Galway, described the research and training activities conducted under Laser Connect. In so doing he presented examples of technologies developed for investigating the laser matter interactions based on the advanced short pulse laser tools and key off-line / on-line characterisation techniques available at the NCLA Laboratory. Gerard encouraged the workshop to consider the potential for high average power lasers emerging on the market within the next 5 – 10 years.
This presentation was then followed by a selection of short presentations delivered by researchers who undertook secondments supported by the Laser-Connect project.
Following lunch, during which time there was an opportunity to view Laser-Connect posters, M-Solv staff and partners described other developments on thin flexible glass underway at the company –on touch sensors, smart windows, photovoltaics, and bonding processes. An opportunity to see the R2R thin flexible glass pilot lines followed.
The workshop concluded with a panel discussion on future opportunities and challenges for the technology. This discussion centred on identifying key technical challenges, such as
• Material limitations of glass length, width, and thickness.
• Process limitations such as crack-free laser scribing, via-hole drilling and filling.
• Handling and transporting limitations, and
• How the disruptive potential of the technology can engage with value chains for new and existing products.
Enquiries
Post-workshop enquiries can be directed to [email protected], [email protected] & [email protected]
R2R pilot
manufacturing cell, with subtractive and additive process steps for thin
flexible glass, targeting large area electronics.
Acknowledgement
The workshop was supported by the Laser Connect, project FP7-PEOPLE-IAPP-2010-251542.
Acknowledgement
The workshop was supported by the Laser Connect, project FP7-PEOPLE-IAPP-2010-251542.
Agenda
Thin Flex Glass (TFG) workshop, P. Rumsby, M-Solv Ltd.
Ultra-thin Glass as a High Performance Substrate, E. Guenther, SCHOOT AG
Development and Exploitation of Processes for Thin Flexible Glass, S. Mogck, Fraunhofer COMEDD
Development and Exploitation of Processes for Thin Flexible Glass, R. Taylor, Atotech
Overview of Laser-Connect project and short-pulse interaction, G. OConnor, NCLA, NUI Galway
Development and Exploitation of Processes for Thin Flexible Glass, H. Chan, M-Solv Ltd.
Development and Exploitation of Processes for Thin Flexible Glass, S. Irvine, Glyndwr University
Development and Exploitation of Processes for Thin Flexible Glass, S. Henley, M-Solv Ltd.
Signposts on Workshop Posters
Thin Flex Glass (TFG) workshop, P. Rumsby, M-Solv Ltd.
Ultra-thin Glass as a High Performance Substrate, E. Guenther, SCHOOT AG
Development and Exploitation of Processes for Thin Flexible Glass, S. Mogck, Fraunhofer COMEDD
Development and Exploitation of Processes for Thin Flexible Glass, R. Taylor, Atotech
Overview of Laser-Connect project and short-pulse interaction, G. OConnor, NCLA, NUI Galway
Development and Exploitation of Processes for Thin Flexible Glass, H. Chan, M-Solv Ltd.
Development and Exploitation of Processes for Thin Flexible Glass, S. Irvine, Glyndwr University
Development and Exploitation of Processes for Thin Flexible Glass, S. Henley, M-Solv Ltd.
Signposts on Workshop Posters
Pilot workshop
Dr. Gerard O'Connor will present pilot workshop on thin film ablation at CNI Shenzhen China on December 3rd, 2012. The workshop will describe the fundamentals of the short pulse laser material interactions for nanometre thick thin films. The workshop begins by describing the structure of matter, then proceeds to describe optical absorption, electron emission, electron phonon coupling, the response of the lattice, ablation mechanisms, and surface reconstruction. The material for the workshop is expected to be included in the next Laser connect workshop to be help in Ireland in 2013.
Laser Connect student wins Best Poster at EMRS 2012.
The Effect of spot size and numerical aperture on the single pulse ablation threshold of a transparent conductive thin film presented by C. McDonnell, won the best Poster prize at the laser symposium at the European Materials research society.
The first workshop: Short pulse laser processing of thin films
Date: Tuesday 24th April 2012
Location: M-Solv Ltd. , Oxonian Park, Langford Locks, Kidlington,
Oxford OX5 1FP, United Kingdom.
Introduction
Ultra-short pulse laser structuring of thin films is highly relevant to the development of new intelligent manufacturing processes. The technology greatly enhances the efficient production of consumer products, based on touch panel screens, photo-voltaics, and high density integrated electronics. Laser ablation of thin films is also relevant to many light engineering disciplines such as medical devices, sensors, optical technologies etc.
This workshop provides an opportunity to obtain a comprehensive overview of the application of short pulse laser energy to selectively pattern a thin film coating on an engineering substrate. The workshop is jointly presented by a university-based research team (www.ncla.ie) investigating laser material interactions and a UK-company engaged in development of advanced laser production systems (www.m-solv.com ).
Objectives
The objectives of the workshop are:
·To provide a comprehensive overview of laser ablation of thin films on engineering substrates.
·To inform workshop attendees of the recent developments in short pulse laser sources and their integration in industrial production systems.
·To identify opportunities for gaining future competitive advantage in the application of laser processes to selectively pattern substrates at high speed using thin film ablation.
Overview
Laser ablation is the ejection of matter from surfaces. Selective laser ablation of thin film materials has the potential to offer cost effective, reconfigurable, precision processes for many new devices and components. The workshop seeks to provide an in-depth perspective on this application of short pulse laser technology. The event is particularly suited for engineers and scientists interested in the selective patterning technologies, for touch panel displays, photovoltaics and high density electronics.
Marie Curie Industrial Academic Partnership Pathways
The workshop is presented with support from Laser-Connect an Industrial Academic Partnership Pathways project, supported by the EU FP7 People programme under contract FP7-PEOPLE-IAPP-2009, MC 251542.
Enquiries & Registration
Places will be limited you are advised to register as soon as possible.
To register please email: [email protected]
Further details: David Milne +44 1865 844070 or Gerard O’Connor + 353 91 493595
Location: http://www.m-solv.com/location-map-directions
Free car parking available on site.
Workshop Agenda
Ultra-short pulse laser structuring of thin films is highly relevant to the development of new intelligent manufacturing processes. The technology greatly enhances the efficient production of consumer products, based on touch panel screens, photo-voltaics, and high density integrated electronics. Laser ablation of thin films is also relevant to many light engineering disciplines such as medical devices, sensors, optical technologies etc.
This workshop provides an opportunity to obtain a comprehensive overview of the application of short pulse laser energy to selectively pattern a thin film coating on an engineering substrate. The workshop is jointly presented by a university-based research team (www.ncla.ie) investigating laser material interactions and a UK-company engaged in development of advanced laser production systems (www.m-solv.com ).
Objectives
The objectives of the workshop are:
·To provide a comprehensive overview of laser ablation of thin films on engineering substrates.
·To inform workshop attendees of the recent developments in short pulse laser sources and their integration in industrial production systems.
·To identify opportunities for gaining future competitive advantage in the application of laser processes to selectively pattern substrates at high speed using thin film ablation.
Overview
Laser ablation is the ejection of matter from surfaces. Selective laser ablation of thin film materials has the potential to offer cost effective, reconfigurable, precision processes for many new devices and components. The workshop seeks to provide an in-depth perspective on this application of short pulse laser technology. The event is particularly suited for engineers and scientists interested in the selective patterning technologies, for touch panel displays, photovoltaics and high density electronics.
Marie Curie Industrial Academic Partnership Pathways
The workshop is presented with support from Laser-Connect an Industrial Academic Partnership Pathways project, supported by the EU FP7 People programme under contract FP7-PEOPLE-IAPP-2009, MC 251542.
Enquiries & Registration
Places will be limited you are advised to register as soon as possible.
To register please email: [email protected]
Further details: David Milne +44 1865 844070 or Gerard O’Connor + 353 91 493595
Location: http://www.m-solv.com/location-map-directions
Free car parking available on site.
Workshop Agenda