Driving Innovation: Direct Imaging vs. Conventional Exposure
It’s Only Common Sense: Selling to Today's Generation of Buyers
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Believe in Better'
Nanostructured Metal Coatings Let the Light through for Electronic Devices
December 9, 2015 | University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignEstimated reading time: 3 minutes
"The nanopillars enhance the optical transmission while the metal film offers electrical contact. Remarkably, we can improve our optical transmission and electrical access simultaneously," said Runyu Liu, a graduate researcher at Illinois and a co-lead author of the work along with Illinois graduate researcher Xiang Zhao and Massachusetts graduate researcher Christopher Roberts.
The researchers demonstrated that their technique, which results in metal covering roughly half of the surface, can transmit about 90 percent of light to or from the surface. For comparison, the bare, unpatterned surface with no metal can only transmit 70 percent of the light and has no electrical contact.
The researchers also demonstrated their ability to tune the material's optical properties by adjusting the metal film's dimensions and how deeply it etches into the semiconductor.
"We are looking to integrate these nanostructured films with optoelectronic devices to demonstrate that we can simultaneously improve both the optical and electronic properties of devices operating at wavelengths from the visible all the way to the far infrared," Wasserman said.
Page 2 of 2Share on:
Suggested Items
Global PCB Connections: Embedded Components—The Future of High-performance PCB Design
06/19/2025 | Jerome Larez -- Column: Global PCB ConnectionsA promising advancement in this space is the integration of embedded components directly within the PCB substrate. Embedded components—such as resistors, capacitors, and even semiconductors—can be placed within the internal layers of the PCB rather than mounted on the surface. This enables designers to maximize available real estate and improve performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
Preventing Surface Prep Defects and Ensuring Reliability
06/10/2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineIn printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication, surface preparation is a critical process that ensures strong adhesion, reliable plating, and long-term product performance. Without proper surface treatment, manufacturers may encounter defects such as delamination, poor solder mask adhesion, and plating failures. This article examines key surface preparation techniques, common defects resulting from improper processes, and real-world case studies that illustrate best practices.
SMTA Releases Final Batch of Training Resources Donated by Bob Willis
05/29/2025 | SMTAThe Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) announces the release of several more webinars, poster sets, and photo libraries to conclude a generous donation from renowned industry expert Bob Willis.
American Standard Circuits to Exhibit and Speak at SMTA Oregon Expo
05/14/2025 | American Standard CircuitsAnaya Vardya, President, and CEO of American Standard Sunstone Circuits has announced that his company will be exhibiting SMTA Oregon Expo & Tech Forum to be held on May 20 at the Wingspan Events and Conference Center in Hillsboro, Oregon.
EIPC Summer Conference 2025: PCB Innovation in Edinburgh
04/18/2025 | EIPCEIPC have very wisely selected this wonderful city in Scotland as the venue for their Summer Conference on June 3-4. Whilst delegates will be distilling the proven information imparted by the speakers in the day, in the evening they will be free spirits at the Conference Dinner.