Ocean Thin Films PixelTec Delivers High Performance Patterned ITO Coatings

Phil Black - PII Editor 06/09/2011

104 1 minute read

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Fewer process steps and less substrate damage than traditional etch methods

Ocean Thin Films now offers its patented PixelTec™ patterned optical coating technology applied to Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) thin films. This pioneering lithographic patterning of optical coatings produces sharp features while maintaining the high quality performance of sputtered ITO coatings, ideal for precision electro-optic devices requiring optically transparent films that are electrically conductive.

PixelTec microlithography enables micron-scale patterning of ITO and Index Matched ITO (IMITO) without the downsides of traditional etching or ablation processes. The ITO can be patterned with no damage to the substrate and other coatings. The process works well with small structures to ensure electrical integrity on the smallest of line widths.

Benefits include:

Electrically conductive and optically transparent thin films
Environmentally durable
Clean / sharp micron level patterning
No etching or ablation damage
ITO pattern accuracy with precision alignment to existing features
Multiple ITO patterns can be applied to the same substrate
ITO patterns can be applied in conjunction with other optical filters
Ocean Thin Films ITO yields superior optical transmission versus electrical resistance and provides optimum performance in a variety of applications including EMI/RFI shielded windows, touch panels, and activation electrodes.