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Photonic Curing
Photonic Curing is the high-temperature thermal processing of a thin film using pulsed light from a flashlamp. When this transient processing is done on a low-temperature substrate such as plastic, paper or glass it is possible to attain a significantly higher temperature than the substrate can ordinarily withstand under an equilibrium heating source such as an oven.
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SimPulse®
OPTIMIZING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Why Simulate Photonic Curing?
The PulseForge tools include over 12 separate exposure process variables. Developing an intuitive understanding of how these process variables can be controlled to favorably impact processing results is unlikely. SimPulse allows a quantitative determination of the impact of each variable on the final results.
The time required to build a material stack in SimPulse, set the exposure conditions, and run the virtual experiment is about 30 seconds. Compared to the time required to build and evaluate actual lab samples, hours if not days can be saved.
Materials stacks and process conditions can be optimized to save costs and improve performance without requiring expensive and time consuming physical design of experiments.
Are SimPulse Results Accurate?
The numerical engine of SimPulse has been extensively validated through comparison with experimental results and with the use of external measurement. The physical properties of the materials library have been included from standard reference texts such as the Chemical Materials Handbook and other similar references.
NovaCentrix recommends calibrating SimPulse with a given PulseForge tool using a NIST traceable bolometer and the integrated calibration utility – both standard on every PulseForge tool.
UNDERSTANDING PULSE SHAPING
Pulse shaping is using the PulseForge® micro-pulse capability to create custom pulse structures, with each pulse acting inside the thermal equilibrium time of the preceding pulse. Pulse shaping is key for drying and other processing, especially for depositions thicker than 10 microns. Pulse shaping is also critical for optimal processing of advanced reacting materials such as the low-cost Metalon® ICI copper oxide reduction ink.
Standard Pulse
Shaped Pulse
Key Features
Ease of Use.
Because it is integrated into a PulseForge tool using the same interface, using SimPulse is just like using a PulseForge. SimPulse is either standard or an option on every tool in the PulseForge product family.
Quick Results.
SimPulse typically runs in a fraction of a second. This allows one to change the variables of system and see in real time the effect of the changes.
R&D and Production.
The common file format shared by all PulseForge systems contains the variables needed both to run a PulseForge tool as well as SimPulse. Transferring is as easy as a USB stick.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
To find out more about the NovaCentrix family or products or to schedule a demonstration, just drop us a line. We'd love to hear from you.
About NovaCentrix
Headquartered in Austin, TX, NovaCentrix offers industry leading photonic curing tools, conductive inks, material and expertise enabling development and production of next generation printed electronic devices.