Optical Coating Property Determination on Transparent Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the thin film production sector, there is a need for a fast and reliable method to determine the properties of coatings on transparent films, particularly the thickness and elemental ratios, during the production process without destructive testing and without requiring reference data comparisons.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive method using a structure with a light source, sensor, and central processing unit that illuminates the coating with light of multiple wavelengths, detects the transmitted light intensity, and calculates properties based on Beer's law, allowing for real-time determination of coating thickness and elemental composition without the need for reference data, suitable for integration into production lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods are used to determine coating properties, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the measurement process is time-consuming and requires reference data comparisons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or chemical measurement methods with an optical measurement system. A light source illuminates the coating, and a sensor detects the reflected or transmitted light intensity. The processing unit calculates coating properties (thickness, density, composition) based on the measured light intensity and known optical properties of the coating material, eliminating the need for reference data comparisons and significantly reducing measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system uses the coating material's own optical properties (absorption coefficient, refractive index) to determine its properties. By measuring how the coating interacts with light and using the known optical characteristics of the material, the system self-determines thickness, density, and composition without requiring external reference samples or complex calibration procedures.
2Measurement precision
If destructive testing methods are used to determine coating properties, then accurate measurement can be achieved, but the coating and substrate are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical or chemical testing methods with non-destructive optical measurement. Light is directed at the coating, and the interaction of light with the coating material (reflection, transmission, absorption) provides information about thickness, density, and composition without physically altering or damaging the coating or substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light as an intermediary medium to transfer information about the coating properties without direct contact or physical interaction that would cause damage. The light carries information about the coating's optical properties, which are then processed to determine physical properties, enabling measurement without harmful effects on the sample.
3Measurement precision
If reference data comparison methods are used to determine coating properties, then measurement can be performed, but additional time and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex reference data comparison procedures with direct calculation based on optical measurements. The processing unit uses the measured light intensity and known optical properties of the coating material to calculate coating properties through mathematical relationships, eliminating the need for reference libraries, calibration curves, or iterative comparison processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system determines coating properties through self-contained calculation using the measured optical response and inherent optical properties of the coating material. The system does not require external reference data, databases, or complex calibration procedures, simplifying the overall measurement process and reducing system complexity.
4Productivity
If real-time measurement during production is implemented, then quality control is improved, but measurement speed and reliability must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time measurement during production by replacing slow conventional measurement methods with rapid optical measurement. The light source and sensor can quickly measure coating properties as the substrate moves through the production line, providing immediate feedback for quality control while maintaining measurement reliability through consistent optical measurement principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system operates continuously during the production process, with the light source continuously illuminating the coating and the sensor continuously detecting light intensity as the substrate moves through. This enables real-time monitoring of coating properties throughout production, providing continuous quality control data without interrupting the manufacturing process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables accurate and rapid determination of coating properties, improving production efficiency by allowing real-time quality control and dynamic adaptation of the coating process, enhancing the precision and speed of multilayer coating analysis.
Implementation Method 1
calculating the properties of the coating on the transparent film based on the measured intensity of transmitted light by the process unit
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining properties of a coating on a transparent film, a method for manufacturing a capacitor film and a device configured to determine properties of a coating on a transparent film are disclosed. In an embodiment a method includes moving the transparent film with the coating on a path which passes between a light source and a sensor, illuminating, by the light source, the coating on the transparent film, detecting, by the sensor, an intensity of transmitted light from the light source and calculating, by a processor, the properties of the coating on the transparent film based on the detected intensity of transmitted light.