Bridging the gap between R&D and production

One of the goals of the Solar Division at Leybold Optics is the

simplification of the process technology transfer in the thin film

photovoltaics sector – from R&D right through to mass production. It is to

this end that the firm develops standardized R&D system solutions for

research groups. Torsten Winkler, Director of Marketing & Sales for the

Solar Division at Leybold Optics, explains: “In terms of their technology

and process flows, the systems developed are identical with the machines

used for mass production. The only real difference is the size of the

substrates used.” To give an example of what this means in a practical

sense, it is now possible for the research results achieved by the Bosch

central research unit in Stuttgart to be applied directly to series production

processes at the group’s various manufacturing plants. Bosch has already

taken advantage of this innovation by placing an order with Leybold

Optics for an A600V7 sputter system and a plasma-enhanced chemical

vapour deposition (PECVD) system. Delivery is due in the fourth quarter

of 2010. Torsten Winkler summarizes the concept as follows: “Our scaleddown

versions of the machines used in large production systems facilitate

the laboratory-based development of future photovoltaic technologies

which can be transferred directly to existing or new PV module production

lines.”

Leybold Optics has concentrated PECVD operations linked to photovoltaic

applications at its Alzenau site. The primary focus at the site has

traditionally been the series production of standardized systems for a wide

variety of thin film applications, with tailored coating systems and R&D

equipment added to the product portfolio in more recent years. The work

of Leybold Optics site in Dresden is primarily focused on the goals and

priorities of the Solar Division. The site has been active in the research

sector for over ten years, and supplies systems for developing thin film

photovoltaic processes to universities, laboratories and research groups

around the world. As Torsten Winkler emphasizes, “Our state-of-the-art

technologies ensure the smooth transfer to large production systems of

the solutions developed at Alzenau and Dresden facilities.”

Leybold Optics – A blend of tailored solutions and tradition