Periodic Reporting for period 2 - NanoQI (Multimodal X-ray and Hyperspectral Thin-Film Nano-material Evaluation and Quality Imaging)
Période du rapport: 2021-09-01 au 2023-08-31
The material data obtained in this way will serve as the basis for the generation of optical models for high-resolution HSI analysis of large coated substrate areas (10x10 cm² to 30 x 30 cm²).
At the NanoQI partner Fraunhofer IWS, machine learning algorithms were implemented to further accelerate the data analysis and to enable the determination of derived functional properties of the layers from the HSI image data based on reference data received from XRR and XRD results. NanoQI could successfully demonstrate imaging of layer thickness deviations < +- 4 % in the first step on a 220 mm wide film. In the next step the HSI camera prototypes will be installed and commissioned at the demonstration partners' facilities starting in November 2021. Subsequently, both the XRR / XRD units and the HSI systems will be evaluated in relevant scenarios (technology readiness level 6) for inline monitoring of pilot scale perovskite solar cell manufacturing, roll-to-roll vacuum deposition of transparent electrodes, optical coatings and gas barrier films and atomic layer deposition for encapsulation of flexible electronic devices as well as printing of organic semiconductors on 15 x 15 cm² in pilot scale.
At the end of the project, all the demonstration facilities were equipped with the multimodal system and TRL6 evaluation and testing for the three scenarios (FhG-FEP, FhG-IAP and TNO) were performed. Moreover, the R2R coater at FhG-FEP was ready for work with external customers.
Exploitable Results (ERs) were assessed throughout the NanoQI project, as the partners were discovering the limitations and benefits of this multimodal characterization for the three selected applications. Overall, the results of the project have proven that the application potential of hyperspectral imaging, in combination with a technique to gather ground-truth data, is immense. Several partners have since participated in follow-up activities, such as the establishment of the spin-off company DIVE imaging systems GmbH., or a follow-up project granted from the Horizon Europe spring 2023 calls among the consortium partners NEO, FhG-IWS & AMI on further industrial applications of hyperspectral imaging
Moreover, in the last two months of the project, partners are evaluating potential forms of agreements to continue using the equipment in follow-up activities at the TNO, FhG-FEP and FhG-IAP sites. The coordinating institution FhG-FEP is also evaluating possibilities of follow-up research activities and projects based on the results of the NanoQI project.
Overall, the project has generated results that can serve as a solid base for further research and industrial uptake of technologies of nanomaterial characterization in Europe.