Fewer steps, the better

Sara Ver-Bruggen - 25 Sep 2011

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UK-based 3T Technologies is bringing an alternative process for fabricating patterned layers of components for thin-film electronic devices to the market. The company's Laser Patterned Peelable Masking (LPM) technique for depositing metal oxides is ideal for transparent electronics.

LPM has fewer steps than photolithography and dry film resist photo-patterning, and residual materials can be recovered from the mask. For one of 3T's main investors, the ability to recycle and recover materials was particularly appealing.

Spiralling energy costs, rising prices for chemicals, gases and other raw materials mean new processes are becoming compelling in microelectronics. Legislation targeting the use and disposal of hazardous materials in industries adds to the need for processes that can use less energy and materials.

3T founder and CTO Stuart Speakman says his firm's technology meets this need: 'LPM is a versatile platform, and offers a dry process that is lower cost and involves fewer steps.'

Deposition

LPM works with a wide range of deposition processes on large substrate areas in flat-panel or roll-to-roll processing.

Despite the advantages of LPM, Speakman observes: 'The electronics sector is very conservative and has much in the way of invested capital assets. The best successes come from those that are prepared to work with us using an open innovation process.'

To commercialise its technique 3T licenses its intellectual property (IP) to MatOx. To bring new technologies to market MatOx uses a network of industrial firms that can exploit manufacturing innovation and universities developing early-stage technologies that could be applicable. MatOx typically acquires exclusive IP rights, arranging royalty payments with the creator.

This article appears in full in Volume 4, issue 1 of +Plastic Electronics magazine, a displays special. We look at what the 3T process entails and speak to MatOx CEO Jason King about the company's investment in the technology.
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