Roll to roll process for thin film transistors
Finland's VTT Technical Research Centre has developed a way to make thin film transistors using a roll to roll printing technique. According to the company, this is set to expand the range of electronic components and products, while cutting their production costs.
Transistors produced using roll to roll fabrication techniques have a range of advantages, including the ability for them to be used on large surface areas, mechanical flexibility, transparency and low production start up costs.
The production method has been developed as part of the EU funded POLARIC research project. A self aligning approach eliminates the challenge of aligning accurately the patterns in the different thin film layers accurately.
VTT says its initial experiences of the manufacturing process are promising and provide it with the ability to test new thin film materials, to develop more complex electronic circuits and to trial various applications. According to VTT, the market for thin film transistors will grow to $180million a year over the next decade.
