NEWS
The next big thing in solar cell technology? Thin-film photovoltaics. And VPT is right in the thick of solar cell thin-film innovation.
VPT announces Ion Beam Sputtering Partnership.
VPT announces the Gyro Fixture Assembly with Gyro Motion for precision thin-film coatings without masks.
VPT announces an innovative, cost-effective approach to manufacturing thin-film solar cells.
More than sixty thin film scientists, engineers and coating technicians from over 25 companies descended upon Vacuum Process Technology’s (VPT) facility for a two day technology forum on November 3rd and 4th. The Forum included a course in practical design and applications of thin films given by Ron Willey as well as the introduction of Cutting Edge Coatings GmbH (CEC), VPT’s new partner for Ion Beam Sputtering Systems. Dr. Kai Starke of CEC presented the advancements that this new IBS system incorporates such as broadband optical monitoring and the ability to create new designs and control index of refraction through co-deposition. Ralf Faber, President of VPT invited all who attended to a networking dinner on Plymouth Harbor and many ideas and business cards were exchanged. The Forum was well received by all who attended and many gave inputs on what subjects they would like to see covered at the next Forum.
Plymouth, MA. - VPT and CEC announce partnership in Ion Beam Sputtering - Powerful new IBS system introduced to North American Market.
Vacuum Process Technology LLC (VPT) and Cutting Edge Coatings GmbH (CEC) announce their partnership in Ion Beam Sputtering Technology. As part of this partnership, VPT will have exclusive distribution rights in North America for CEC’s products and CEC will gain access to VPT’s proprietary coating system technology. The cornerstone of this agreement is CEC’s advanced platform for high vacuum Ion Beam Sputtering of optical thin-films. This fully automatic system incorporates innovative features including a broad band optical monitor, a load lock with automated palette handling and two very powerful ion sources. A major innovation is the ability to blend two materials to create hybrid materials with controllable index of refraction not available with existing coating materials. This technology is well suited where extreme performance is required. These applications include high power laser coatings, filters for the health science industry including microscopy and fluorescence as well as Raman spectroscopy filters.
Dr. Kai Starke, General Manager of Cutting Edge Coatings, said, “We are excited to have VPT as our partner to bring this innovative IBS technology to the North American market; we have worked closely with VPT to identify the best IBS solution for this market.” Ralf Faber, President of VPT, said “Cutting Edge Coatings has a new and innovative approach, borne out of years of research and development at the Laser Zentrum Hannover, Germany. This technology to invent new materials for IBS by blending is unique and offers the customer a new tool set to achieve higher levels of performance. Together with CEC, VPT offers the complete solution including the tool, and the turn-key coating process, in addition to local service and support.”
VPT is located in Plymouth, MA and is a manufacturer of high vacuum coating systems for optical, medical, defense and solar applications. CEC is located in Hannover, Germany and is a spin-off company of the Laser Zentrum Hannover with a focus on the latest tools and technology for laser applications. To visit CEC's website, click here.
Plymouth, MA. - VPT announces a revolutionary new, cost-effective way to achieve large area thin-film uniformity.
For thin-film fabrication for precision optics, thickness uniformity is critical. Traditionally, achieving the required degree of uniformity meant using shadow masks and planetary rotation—or a combination of the two. And that involved the time-consuming, labor-intensive process of cutting and re-cutting the mask until the desired uniformity was reached.
But VPT has invented a new kind of evaporation coater, with a breakthrough configuration they call Gyro Motion. Together with VPT’s computer simulation technology, Gyro Motion improves throughput, equipment utilization, yield—and gross margins—without masks or test runs.
To learn more about the benefits of VPT’s new Gyro Motion, click here.
Plymouth, MA. - VPT announces an innovative, cost-effective approach to manufacturing thin-film solar cells.
The demand for solar energy has never been greater. But for solar energy cells to be truly practical for general use, the cost has to come down and efficiency must go up.
Thin-film solar cells show great promise in both categories, but there have been obstacles. One in particular involves the high temperatures required to evaporate the materials used to coat solar cells. Traditionally, this has meant that special materials had to be used to construct the evaporation source and the chamber—and that meant added cost.
But VPT has changed all that, with a simple, low-cost alternative that uses commercially available materials. And brings us another step closer to truly affordable solar energy.
For details on VPT’s revolutionary process, click here.