Bekaert Introduces One-Piece Rotatable AZO Targets At Photon’s 4th Photovoltaic Technology Show 2009 - New rotatable sputter targets allow to deposit TCO layers for PV applications

Date: 16 February 2009
Source: Bekaert
Deinze, Belgium – February 13, 2009 – Bekaert has underlined its intent to strengthen its position in the photovoltaic market with its participation at Photon’s 4th Photovoltaic Technology Show 2009, a must-attend event for the industry’s major players.

Bekaert will be participating in the exhibition for the first time after recently introducing its rotatable sputtering technology in the PV market. Bekaert will be demonstrating its latest innovation for depositing Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) layers for PV applications at booth A26 in Hall C2 of the Exhibition Centre.

 

Bekaert is building on its success of introducing rotatable sputtering technology in glass and photovoltaic applications by developing a new range of rotatable sputter target materials for the deposition of TCO layers used in PV cells. TCO layers are essential building blocks for all thin film PV (amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe) and CI(G)S applications, where optical transmission and electrical conductivity are required simultaneously. 

 

Tailor made targets for the photovoltaic market

Bekaert’s rotatable sputter targets are one-piece targets, allowing a more stable process. Bekaert has added to its TCO portfolio a new target material – AZO, Zinc Oxide doped with Aluminum oxide (1-2 wt%). Other target materials available from Bekaert for the PV market include ITO (e.g. In2O3:Sn), Al, Mo, High Purity Si, ZnAl, ZnSn, and custom-made alloys. The company will be explaining the application possibilities and benefits of the new targets at the exhibition, which is being held at the New Munich Trade Fair Center Munich (MMG) from March 4th – March 6th, 2009.

 

“Bekaert’s innovation, heavy investment in R&D, exemplary customer service and comprehensive understanding of customers’ applications led to the company’s market-leading position in rotatable sputter solutions for automotive and architectural applications. We’ll be adopting the same approach in the PV market.” says Koen Staelens, Product Market Manager of Bekaert Sputter Products.

 

“Having the right customized sputter hardware solutions and developing the right rotatable sputter target materials will allow us to meet the demands of the photovoltaic market. We’re eager to meet up with industry experts and decision makers at the show and explore new business opportunities.”

 

About Bekaert

Bekaert (www.bekaert.com) seeks sustainable profitable growth based on its two core competences: advanced metal transformation and advanced materials and coatings. Bekaert aims to consolidate its position as both market and technological leader around the world. With its broad range of high technological products, systems and services, Bekaert offers high added value for its customers. Bekaert (Euronext Brussels: BEKB) is a European based company, headquartered in Belgium, employing 23 000 people. Bekaert, present in 120 countries, generates annual sales of more than € 3.4 billion.

 

Bekaert works closely with its customers to enable them to upgrade from planar to rotatable technology and offers lower cost of ownership through longer production runs, faster coating deposition and a more complete use of coating material.



Bekaert has built its experience in the sputtering technology field through its own plastic foil coating for window film and industrial applications. Bekaert was the first to bring rotatable targets to market and has successfully partnered with customers to develop the most advanced and complete sputter equipment to effectively use these targets for coating lines worldwide.



Industrial customers who execute a coating process for applications such as architectural and automotive glass (including Low-E and solar control films, and anti-reflective coatings), display glass and photovoltaic glass, can significantly benefit from adopting Bekaert’s sputter solutions and technology. Customers can also rely on Bekaert’s world-class local customer support and leading research and development.

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