Precision ink jet printing on optical film

Microsharp, along with partners Patterning Technology Limited (PTL) (www.pattech.com) and Technical Converters Limited (www.technicalconverters.co.uk) have initiated a UK DTI Technology Programme (www.dti.gov.uk/technologyprogramme/) grant funded project to ink jet print passive and active polymers and inorganic materials (such as novel transparent inorganic conductors) on microstructured optical film. The goal of this exciting R&D project is to actively align the printed patterns with the positions of the optical microstructures, compensating for the flexibility of the plastic films by using a high speed computer imaging and print position realignment solution.

The sensors operate using the properties of the optical films themselves to determine the positions of the microstructures. The project will include the development of new ink jet printable pigments and transparent conductors.

The project will develop a number of application specific compound films including:

• High contrast RPTV screens;
• 'Louvre' films for privacy;
• Actively illuminated films;
• Experimental plastic solar cells.

The project is helping develop some of the advanced technologies needed for next generation low cost, flexible displays.

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Junuary 2006 Newsletter in Adobe PDF

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