| Posted: June 16, 2008 |
Strategic Fraunhofer Cooperation for the roll-to-roll fabrication of organic light diodes and solar cells |
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(Nanowerk News) The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS), one of the leading research institutes in the field of organic-based materials and devices, as well as the Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology (FEP), leader in the field of large-area vacuum deposition on flexible substrates, have joined forces in the development of a technology for an organic devices roll-to-roll production process.
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Organic semiconductors are the technological basis for a multitude of innovative products, such as organic light emitting diodes, solar cells, and many other applications. However, the establishment of a powerful European industry for these products can only succeed if industry and research institutions not only work on technology and design, but also manufacture on site. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft realized this and established the Center for Organic Materials and Electronic Devices Dresden (COMEDD) – the leading center for research, development and pilot production of organic devices in Europe.
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The cooperation of the two Fraunhofer institutes is a significant milestone for the COMEDD to extend its technology basis. The roll-to-roll equipment is located at the Fraunhofer FEP and used by both institutes.
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This week saw the assembly of the new roll-to-roll coating plant for small molecules. The development of the plant is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) within the Rollex project (roll-to-roll production of high efficiency light diodes on flexible substrates). The equipment is supplied by one of the Rollex partners, the VON ARDENNE Anlagentechnik GmbH.
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“This plant is among the first types worldwide to develop and produce OLED (organic light-emitting diodes) lighting modules and organic solar cells. This is an important step in the development of industrial scale manufacturing processes. The strategic cooperation enables a perfect combination of the competencies in the field of coating and device technology,” says Professor Volker Kirchhoff, Director of the Fraunhofer FEP.
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According to Professor Karl Leo, Director of the Fraunhofer IPMS, “The new coating plant will enhance Dresden's standing as a cluster location for organic semiconductors. In early 2009, we should see the first OLED demonstrators.”
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