The Lasers and Material processing division of Jenoptik has secured initial contracts for laser processing systems, which are utilized in the production of modern energy saving glass, known as smart windows.
The company will provide the laser processing systems to US-American plants for manufacturing modern glass. This initial order has enabled the company to enter into another prospective area for Lasers & Material Processing. During 2011, this new application was a major reason for a large number of orders.
Manufacturing of smart windows will use these high-tech glasses. Adjusting of these windows can be done based on exterior lighting conditions by electronic means, which results in the decrease of energy expenditure levels considerably. Moreover, these smart windows have unveiled a broad range of options for building designs. The manufacturing method of this modern glass is similar to thin-film solar cell manufacturing.
High-tech glass has several ultra-thin films applied onto the glass just like thin-film solar cells. Subsequent to every application, these films are structured with high accuracy. For every structuring cycle, a specially adapted technology is utilized. Laser technology from Jenoptik is employed for cutting to the desired size and for laser edge deletion.
The company has been providing laser processing systems since 2007, for fabricating thin-film solar cells to global clients. The expertise on these laser processes were used for this novel application and integrated with the knowledge in the laser processing of brittle materials.
Bystronic glass is the partner in the development of this latest application. Both Jenoptik and Bystronic glass have been jointly working since 2008.