We offer an extensive range of ITO glass, including ITO slides and coverslips, suitable for many different applications. Using the very latest in glass processing techniques, we can supply:
- Fully dimensioned substrates profiled with cut-outs and holes, radius and chamfers to meet customer specifications
- Polished substrates designed to meet specific flatness and optical requirements
- Thermally and chemically toughened glass
In addition, we can provide a range of other enhancements including, among others, printed graphics/borders and anti-glare finishes.
ITO Glass Types
Currently available ITO coated glass/coverslip substrate options include:
Soda-Lime Glass – Including toughened options, this is the most widely used type of glass, as it is the cheapest option due to inexpensive processing costs. It is formed by glass being drawn across baths of molten Tin. The side facing up (the air side) is typically smoother and flatter than the side facing the Tin.
Able to cut soda-lime glass to varying sizes, we can supply this glass type either as standard or toughened (thermally or chemically).
Borosilicate Glass – This low-soda type of glass primarily consists of:
- Silica, 70%
- Boric Oxide, 10%
- Sodium Oxide, 8%
- Potassium Oxide, 8% and
- Calcium Oxide, 1%
Although borosilicate glass is rather more difficult to produce than traditional glass, its superior durability makes it an economical to produce option.
The heat and chemical resistance properties of borosilicate glass make it an outstanding option for military uses, chemical laboratories and various other uses, while its exceptionally low thermal expansion coefficient makes it a highly popular material critical display equipment, flat TFT screens, etc.
Optically, this type of glass is a low-dispersion crown glass with relatively low (1.51 to 1.54) refractive indices across visible ranges.
Fused Quartz/Fused Silica – Primarily containing silica in non-crystalline (amorphous) form, these types of glass are produced using different processes:
- Normally transparent, fused quartz is produced by melting naturally occurring high-purity quartz crystals at temperatures of around 2,000ºC. There are two production options:
a) Flame fused quartz is melted using an oxygen/gas-fuelled furnace
b) Electrically fused quartz is produced using an electrically heated furnace
- Fused Silica is normally manufactured by melting a feedstock consisting of high-purity silica sand within electric furnaces. The resulting substrate is either opaque or translucent.
Both types can be supplied polished and in varying thicknesses and sizes.
BK7 – Widely used in displays requiring high transmission, BK7 has an average standard optical performance (uncoated) of 93%, which can be further improved by application of AR coatings. A comparatively expensive material, BK7 is produced in block form and cut to required thicknesses. The two sides’ faces are then polished to required dimensions.
Please see our data sheets for more detailed information.
ITO Coated Glass Applications
ITO coated glass is suitable for an extensive range of applications including:
- Anodes for Organic LEDs (OLEDs)
- Circuit Substrates
- Conductive/Heatable Glass Slides/Coverslips (Science, Research & Development)
- De-icing Windows
- Display Technology Components (LCD displays)
- Infrared Mirrors
- Micro Structuring Applications
- Mobile Communication Devices’ Flat Antennas
- Touch Screen Displays
- Transparent ITO-Electrodes
- Transparent RFI/EMI/EMF/EMC & HF Shielding and More
Have another project in mind? Give us a call on +44 (0) 8451 360 603 today – our experts will be happy to advise you on the most suitable type of glass for your application.
