Stanford Optical Society Seminar: Laser-assisted processing of nano-materials for production of large area flexible electronics

Topic: 
Laser-assisted processing of nano-materials for production of large area flexible electronics
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 -
2:00pm to 3:00pm
Venue: 
Spilker 232
Speaker: 
Dr. Magnus Engholm
Abstract / Description: 

Printed electronics is becoming more popular for fabrication of applications on flexible substrates. The most commonly used substrates are plastics but the use of paper as a substrate is becoming more widespread due to lower cost and recyclability. Consider also the possibility of using the very large area manufacturing techniques (roll-to-roll), today used in the paper manufacturing industry, which could allow for a very cost effective production of electronic applications. This presentation will cover recent advances of laser-assisted processing of thin films coated on flexible paper based substrates with the objective to make conductive tracks. Results will be presented for laser sintering of thin films of silver nano-particles and laser-assisted reduction of graphene oxide to graphene. Our aim is to develop a method compatible with the roll-to-toll (R2R) manufacturing technique for the production of large area electronics with potential applications such as cost effective solar cells, sensors and super capacitors.

Bio:

Dr. Magnus Engholm presently holds a position as a senior researcher and coordinator of the R&D activities within the Photonics Group at the Mid Sweden University in Sundsvall, Sweden. Dr. Engholm has a background in experimental materials physics where much of his research has been devoted to improve the reliability and efficiency of rare-earth doped laser materials. His current activities include research and development of compact (pulsed and continuous wave) single-frequency fiber lasers and amplifiers for applications such as Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). He has a special interest for multi-disciplinary research and innovation projects and is also coordinating several R&D activities where laser technology is used as a successful method for processing and manufacturing of large area electronics on flexible substrates (paper and plastics).