Analysis and Development of Scalable Techniques for Creating Optically Transparent Resistive Films with Tapered Resistivity

Conductive films that maintain transparency are a key element in many current products and industries, including electronic devices for touch screens and automobiles to defrost windows. Such films are also useful in military applications. By introducing a resistive taper in conductive films or antennas, overall performance can be improved by reducing backscattering and increasing sensitivity in an antennas central beam region. In order to create transparent, conductive films having a tapered resistivity, Nano Terra proposes to collaborate with our partners at Resonant Sciences to conduct a comprehensive study and create a testing platform designed to evaluate the manufacturability and performance of such films. Nano Terra will conduct an extensive literature search as well as utilize its expertise and past experience in patterning conductive materials on a wide variety of substrate materials of two- and three-dimensional shapes, techniques for processing and patterning materials, and development of manufacturing approaches for fabrication of laboratory samples. Resonant Sciences will contribute expertise in the design, modeling, characterization, and implementation of patterned and functionally graded materials including tapered resistive sheets. Together, the team will design, analyze, and test to identify the best method of film production.