Coating technology and materials for lighting applications

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Coating technology and materials for lighting applications

Möhl, W. / Kunstmann, R. / Weichert, J. / Gonschor, R.

Innovations are driven by new developed materials and/or novel production processes. Light management requires highly effective light sources (e.g. bulbs plus reflectors) and high performance light distribution systems either by lumped optical elements (e.g. lenses, filters, mirrors) or light guiding systems (e.g. fiber optics). In this paper we highlight glass or glass ceramics materials of high quality and describe the perspectives of a production proven coating process for lighting applications. Among of these topics the featured coating process is also compatible to the properties of heat-sensitive materials (e.g. polymers). As an enabling technology the high rate coating process provides a platform of interference coatings where the design determines whether cold light mirrors, infrared reflecting coatings or narrow band filters or even hardcoatings are produced. In combining those high quality materials with dedicated coatings a high potential can be offered with respect to the resulting net product. In Cars of next generation Schott Glas light guide technology is going to be used as Advanced Frontlighting System or Distributed Lighting Systems by which a multitude of light outputs are generated for frontlighting purposes in order to achieve a high technical flexibility (sensor controll bending light, etc.), and to fulfil aspects of design. New types of coatings will be available, which include narrow band filters, which have a metallic reflectivity. They are well suited for 'clear optic' indicator lights or backlights, because only when switched on, the characteristic color of light is emitted and visible to the eyes of the viewer.