Large Scale Manufacturing Techniques for Metamaterials and Their Industrial Applications

Development of a scalable nanofabrication technique is essential for the practical realization of nanostructured materials in functional transparent films. META® has developed discrete platform-specific proprietary technologies for large-scale lithography, allowing the manufacture of nanostructures to be carried out with high uniformity and low cost. Using these manufacturing techniques at META®, we design and mass-produce nano-technology-based films with applications in a wide variety of products and markets.<br/> <br/>In this talk, I will present large-scale manufacturing techniques at META® including nanoimprinting, roll-to-roll processing, and holographic lithography. I will also discuss various industrial applications in automotive, authentication, 5G communication and consumer electronics. Our customizable patented nano-optics include visual authentication technology, KolourOptik® Stripe, with a unique combination of multiple colors, 3D depth and omni-directional movement. I will describe NANOWEB®, META®’s Roll to roll lithographically fabricated conductor with superior electrical and optical properties. This functional film is configured as a nanostructured conformable metal wire mesh, that is transparent to the naked eye. I will explain how we utilize NANOWEB® to enable smart solutions for distinct functions including electro-optical dimming, transparent antennas, anti-fog heaters and EMI Shielding. <br/> <br/>In addition, we are also using a first of its kind Plasma Fusion® deposition technology, which enables high speed coating of any alloy on any type of thin flexible plastic substrate. Large scale and efficient metallization coating of ultra-thin substrate with zero defect, is a critical step for example toward volume production of safe reliable lightweight battery materials, requiring hundreds of millions of square meters per year. We use this metallization step in our roll-to-roll production process for functional films, which for solid state NCORE^TMbattery current collectors will reduce battery weight, increase safety, significantly accelerate line speed, and hence reduce cost.