Fraunhofer IST presents new production system for precision optical coatings
The Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST has developed the EOSS production system for industrial-scale precision optical coatings. The technology enables double-sided coating and significantly improves productivity.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF has been awarded the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for its new EOSS production system, poised to transform industrial manufacturing of optical coatings.
The EOSS (Enhanced Optical Sputtering System) is designed for the efficient and flexible industrial-scale production of precision optical components. The research team developed the system to meet the stringent demands of modern optical systems for uniformity and process stability.
A key innovation is the use of rotating double-tube cathodes and novel mixed metal/metal oxide targets, enabling a stable coating process without reactive gases. Furthermore, the system allows for simultaneous double-sided deposition of optical coatings, doubling productivity and facilitating the coating of extremely thin substrates.
The accompanying MOCCA+ application provides real-time monitoring of the entire coating process for enhanced quality control and system productivity. The technology has already been commercialized, with applications in areas such as autonomous driving, medical technology, and telecommunications.