Novel Transparent Conductors for EMI Shielding of Sensor Windows

"The Phase I work demonstrated the feasibility of hard,electrically conductive novel ceramic thin films suitable forreducing electromagnetic interference while still permitting hightransmittance in the infrared region. However, no performanceoptimization was performed. The Phase II program will continuewith the success achieved in Phase I by expanding on materials-related issues. The work initiated in Phase I will be extended(i) to control the chemical composition and microstructure of thefilms to maximize both EMI shielding and IR transmission, (ii) toprepare sputtering targets having the optimized compositions,(iii) to control microstructure, crystallinity, and orientationof the deposited films to maximize carrier mobility, and (iv) toscale up the developed films and processes on large windowmaterials. Several dopants of various concentrations will beadded to already established materials. Sputtering targets ofhigh purity will be fabricated via pressureless sintering.Coating on test windows will be prepared via sputtering.Prepared windows will be tested for EM attenuation, IRtransmission, and erosion resistance. BENEFITS: Potential commercial applications include architectural shielding in industrial environments, view windows on magnetic resonance imaging systems, windows in embassy buildings and other governmentinstallations, view IR windows on all types of electronic equipment and instrumentation, and transparent electrodes