PV market demand for depositing TCO layers in PV cells met by new Bekaert rotatable sputter targets

Deinze, Belgium – August, 1, 2008 – Following the recent introduction of rotatable sputtering technology in display and photovoltaic applications, Bekaert has now developed a new range of rotatable sputter target materials for the deposition of TCO layers used in PV cells. These Transparent Conductive Oxide 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, capable of depositing various TCO layers such as ITO (e.g. In2O3:Sn) and TiOx:Nb,. Bekaert now adds to its TCO portfolio a new target material which is AZO, Zinc Oxide doped with Aluminum oxide (1-2 wt%).

Other target materials for the PV market, available through Bekaert, are Al, Mo, High Purity Si ZnAl, ZnSn, and custom made alloys.

Bekaert booth 4/D3 at 23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference

An in-depth presentation of these brand new target materials will be given during the 23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference (1-5 September) and Exhibition (1-4 September) at the Feria Valencia Convention & Exhibition Centre. It is widely recognised as the world’s largest photovoltaic event where experts from all over the world present the newest developments in science and industry. Furthermore, more than 600 suppliers will be presenting their photovoltaic products during the accompanying professional exhibition. Bekaert will display their new rotatable sputter targets to the PV audience in booth 4/D3 of the Exhibition Centre.

“A technologically innovative vision, intensive R&D, in-depth understanding of the customer application and world wide fast customer service acquired us a leadership position in rotatable sputter solutions for automotive and architectural applications. We will use the same approach while entering the PV market. Having the right customized sputter hardware solutions and developing the right rotatable sputter target materials will allow Bekaert to meet the needs and demands in the photovoltaic market.” says Rémy Rochard, General Manager of Bekaert Sputter Products. He concludes: “The 23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition will offer excellent business opportunities, we are eager to meet up with industry experts and decision makers during this high level exhibition.”

About Bekaert
Profile
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 an European based company, headquartered in Belgium, employing 22 000 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.