TCO and ITO laser processing

Laser structuring of TCO (transparent conductive oxide) coatings on glass substrates to create ultrafine structures < 50µm

TCO coatings include indium tin oxide (ITO). They can be coated on glass or a polymer to form a conductive and light-transmissive layer. The normal technique is to coat a glass substrate with a very thin ITO layer. ITO glass is used in applications such as high quality display and touch screens.

Microstructuring is used to create ultrafine optically transparent electrical applications on the surface of the glass. ITO coatings are also used for transparent electrodes, specimen holders, high frequency screens, optically transmissive glazing, invisible antennae, invisible solar elements, all manner of heatable and light-transmissive devices, etc. etc. 

Principle behind the process

Ultrafine insulation spaces are structured in the TCO layer using a laser. The channels created in this way can be designed with any dimensions and geometries required. Insulating structures < 50µm can be invisibly created on the transparent substrate.