Loveland, CO-based Intellivation LLC has been awarded the 2024 Technology of the Year Award from the Association of Roll-To-Roll Converters (ARC) for its innovative solution to measure “Mid-IR Reflectance In-Situ with Spectrometry” in the firm’s R2R vacuum sputter coaters (above).

“We are excited to introduce the first production solution using spectrometry to measure in-situ in this spectral range in a vacuum R2R-coating system. As requirements and applications use broader spectral ranges and become more sophisticated, we see increase demand for monitoring sputtered multi-layers in-situ,” says Mike Simmons, president/CEO-Intellivation. “Our customers are redefining the standards for end-use requirements, and we are extremely proud to be a part of the solution. Receiving this award from ARC, which represents the entire industry of R2R converting and manufacturing processes, is an incredible honor.”

The ability to expand the spectral range to reach the Mid-Infrared (Mid IR) spectrum can create new opportunities and applications for sputtered thin-film use. The integration of a Mid IR Tunable Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) based reflectance spectrometer into a R2R sputter coater offers enhanced spectral resolution and tunability, allowing for precise and selective analysis of infrared optical materials during the coating process. Integrating this advanced spectrometer into a R2R sputter vacuum coater enables real-time monitoring and control of thin-film deposition, facilitating improved process optimization. The ability to monitor reflection beyond the current UV and visible ranges, into the Mid-IR wavelength (8 to 13 microns) contributes to the development of a much wider range of functional layer materials and provides a versatile and efficient manufacturing platform for high-throughput production of coated materials with tailored optical properties, offering new possibilities for applications in various industries.

Coatings and multiple layers in the Mid-IR range can provide optical functions that enable environmental protection for devices and systems from light, humidity, and stress that can be induced by the environment and outside influences. These coatings can extend the life and/or improve durability of components in a wide range of applications and industries, many of which are just being developed.