Surface enhancement through Coldab®
The patented Picodeon Coldab® deposition technology is based on the Ultra-Short Pulsed Laser Deposition (USPLD) of thin-films. Such films, ranging from a single nanometer up to a few micrometers, are used to enhance and modify the surface properties of materials. This production versatility enables applications that range from the fairly simple (e.g. decorative surfaces) to the very complex (e.g. to deposit a sequence of layers controlled on a nanoscale level to produce state-of-the-art optoelectronic devices). Picodeon Coldab® laser technology involves a special form of laser ablation called cold ablation. The energy of a pico second laser light beam is used to evaporate a plasma plume from target source material that is used for surface deposition of a thin film or coating. The many processing benefits of our patented Coldab® laser technology include:
Cold ablation
The energy of a pico second laser pulse heats only the illuminated spot of the target. Although the surface temperature of this spot rises to 1 000 000 ºC, there is little or no heat transfer to the rest of the target material. This is why this technique is called “cold ablation”, particularly when compared to conventional nanolaser PLD. Thus our Coldab® laser deposition technology enables the use of heat-sensitive materials, such as plastics and even paper, to be coated at a low substrate temperature.
Homogenous particle-free plasma
Fine control of both the pico second laser pulses and the method to scan the target material ensures that the surface of the target source material remains smooth. This ensures the particle-free homogeneity of the plasma plume and gives superior surface properties. Additional control is achieved through fine adjustment of process pressure, atmosphere and temperature. Picodeon has reached smooth films with surface roughness Ra below 2nm!
Freedom from material constraints
The Colda® deposition method is practically materials agnostic; we can vaporize any solid source material and transport the plasma on the substrate.
Intellectual Property Rights
Picodeon has protected its Coldab® laser deposition technology as well as many applications and materials through an extensive Intellectual Property portfolio with a global reach. So far we have generated over 150 patents and patent applications in over 20 patent families. A significant part of Picodeon's business is licensing relevant technologies to customers.