ITO coatings
Electrical conductivity on optical surfaces
Indium tin oxide (ITO) is a conductive thin film that is also optically transparent. It enables electrical functionality on optical surfaces while maintaining high transmission and low reflection loss. asphericon manufactures ITO layers using ion beam-assisted deposition (IBAD).
Specifications
| ITO-Coating | |
|---|---|
| Film resistance | < 12 Ω/sq (customizable upon request) |
| Transmission | 97,5 % (450–750 nm) |
| Reflectance | < 0,5 % (450–750 nm) |
| Absorption | 2 - 3 % (with AR coating) |
| Substrate geometry | Flat and curved |
Development, manufacturing and qualification are performed in-house in Europe.
Typical applications include, for example:
- Transparent EMI shielding
- Optical heating functions (anti-fog, anti-icing)
- Display and OLED-Technologies
- Photovoltaics
- Conductive substrates for microfluidic or biological systems
Do you have specific requirements regarding layer resistance or substrate geometry? Talk to our team.
FAQ - ITO coatings
What does ITO stand for?
ITO stands for indium tin oxide, a transparent, electrically conductive oxide. When applied as a thin film, it combines high optical transmission with measurable electrical conductivity. This combination is virtually impossible to achieve with conventional optical coatings.
Why is ITO used on optical components?
In certain applications, a purely optically effective surface is not sufficient. The surface must also perform an electrical function. ITO coatings enable this without significantly impairing the performance of the optical component. Typical applications include electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding as well as heating functions to protect against fogging or icing on optical surfaces.
What is EMI shielding?
EMI stands for electromagnetic interference. This refers to unwanted interference radiation that can impair the function of sensitive optical or electronic systems. EMI shielding refers to measures that shield against this radiation. A unique feature of optical surfaces is that such shielding must remain transparent at the same time so as not to impair optical function. ITO coatings meet precisely this requirement: electrically conductive enough to provide a shielding effect, yet highly transparent for the spectral range in use.
Can the sheet resistance and transmittance of ITO coatings be adjusted?
asphericon offers ITO coatings as standard with a sheet resistance of less than 12 Ω/sq and a transmittance of 97.5% in the 450 - 750 nm range. These two parameters are physically related: higher conductivity (lower sheet resistance) is generally accompanied by lower transmittance. Depending on the application requirements, application-specific adjustments are possible. Please contact us.
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