Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT) have developed a new machine that produces a fiber optic film that evenly distributes light from an LED two-dimensionally. The superficial structures of this sheet are only a few micrometers in size. (Copyright Fraunhofer IPT) The fiber optic films possess superficial structures measuring in the single-digit micrometer range, while the sheets themselves measure at two by one meter in size. This makes them the largest of their kind throughout the EU, according to the group. In addition, they can be produced cost-effectively and with energy-efficiency in mass reproduction. To do so, the researchers of IPT developed a process chain with which they can populate large-scale sheets with the necessary microstructures. “It‘s an ultraprecise process," said Dr. Christian Wenzel, senior engineer at IPT. Using pinpoint accuracy, the machine must apply the smallest structures – just a few micrometers in size – onto the surface of the film in a periodic sequence. “In order to produce the stamp, we use special diamond tools.” The stamp consists of a gossamer-thin nickel sheet, and itself is also infinitesimal – its surface equals at most two by two millimeters. Like a dot matrix printer, it must then process a sheet measuring two by one meter in size, guided by the ultraprecision machine. "Within a few days, we completely structured the entire surface. With the previous approach, the process would have taken weeks, or even months," said Wenzel. The preliminary product is the master – a transparent and optically conductive plastic panel. In order to determine if the microstructured master possesses the desired characteristics, it must first be tested based on a few parameters. “The machine can accomplish this task as well,” said Wenzel. If the approximately 80 percent of the surface is completely structured, the machine tests the properties of the sheet. If these properties are not consistent with the optical design settings, then the machine can implement the necessary corrections during the imprint process. “Well, we are optimizing the component while it‘s still in the machine,” said Wenzel. Once the plastic surface has the desired light control capabilities, then the engineers immerse the master into a nickel bath and galvanize it. The nickel shim created in this manner can then go into mass replication. “With our ultraprecise machine, we are capable of producing an entire array of systems with background lighting,” Wenzel said. No matter if it‘s for displays, architectural lighting or a car‘s interior lighting: IPT researchers can implement almost any optical design, thanks to this machine, and adapt the machine technology – reliably, and above all, efficiently. In other words, it's ready for mass production. For more information, visit: www.ipt.fraunhofer.de/en