Coherent, a world leader
in providing laser-based solutions to the commercial and scientific research
markets, and Holst Centre, an open-innovation initiative by imec (B) and TNO
(NL), today announce their cooperation in the field of flexible electronics.
Coherent’s unique expertise in advanced laser equipment supports the strategy
of Holst Centre to expand the current focus in its program on integration technologies
for flexible systems.
Selective removal and deposition of thin layers is an important research challenge
for future flexible-electronics applications such as organic photovoltaics (OPV)
or for lighting and signage based on organic light emitting diodes (OLED). OPV
and OLED devices are composed of multilayer stacks that are often less than
100 nm thick. The smallest amount of debris can therefore generate defects resulting
in non-functioning devices.
The cooperation between Holst Centre and Coherent encompasses the installation
of a short-pulse (picosecond) laser source in the electronic foils processing
equipment to be used for high-precision and low-defect laser ablation in sheet-to-sheet
production of OLED and OPV devices. The potential of the laser to comply with
short processing times allows the transition towards roll-to-roll at a later
stage in the collaboration which is important for low cost production. Coherent
intends to take the results of the application and use it to expand its knowledge
in flexible electronics manufacturing.
Holst Centre has a considerable amount of expertise in integration technologies
for applications in flexible foils. Investments in state-of-the art equipment
support the Holst Centre’s ambition of becoming a leading player in this
field. The current cooperation with Coherent is another step forward in the
growth of the program and will allow Holst Centre to make significant progress
in laser-based technologies.
Founded in 1966, Coherent, Inc. is a Russell 2000 Index company and a world
leader in providing laser-based solutions to the commercial and scientific research
markets. For more information about Coherent, including product and financial
updates, visit our website at http://www.Coherent.com