In the quest to balance energy efficiency and connectivity, researchers have made a significant breakthrough that could reshape how we design buildings and vehicles. A team led by Luqman Yunos from the Future Industries Institute at the University of South Australia has developed a method to pattern frequency selective surfaces (FSS) on silver-based low-emissivity (low-e) coatings, enhancing their suitability for modern connectivity needs.
Low-e coatings are a staple in the energy-efficient building sector, known for their ability to reflect heat and reduce energy consumption. However, these coatings have historically posed a challenge for telecommunication signals, causing significant attenuation. Yunos and his team aimed to address this issue, exploring two techniques: laser ablation and photolithography.
The results, published in the journal Applied Surface Science Advances, are promising. Both methods significantly reduced signal attenuation from 30 dB to below 5 dB, with minimal impact on the heat-blocking capabilities of the low-e coatings. “We were pleasantly surprised by the extent to which we could improve signal transmission while maintaining the energy-efficient properties of the coatings,” Yunos said.
Photolithography, a process typically used in semiconductor manufacturing, produced higher-quality patterns with thinner line widths. However, this finer detail also resulted in slightly larger attenuation compared to laser ablation. Both methods demonstrated excellent optical properties and abrasion resistance, making them viable for architectural and automotive applications.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As buildings and vehicles become increasingly connected, the demand for low-attenuation coatings that support seamless communication is growing. This study suggests that FSS patterning could be the key to unlocking this potential, paving the way for smarter, more energy-efficient structures.
Moreover, the findings open up new avenues for research and development. Future studies could explore the use of different materials or optimize the patterning process to further improve signal transmission and energy efficiency. The commercial impacts could be substantial, with potential applications ranging from smart windows to connected vehicles.
As Yunos puts it, “This is just the beginning. We’ve shown that it’s possible to enhance the connectivity of low-e coatings, and now we’re looking forward to seeing how this technology evolves and is adopted in the industry.”
The research, published in Applied Surface Science Advances, which translates to English as “Advanced Surface Science,” marks a significant step forward in the field of energy-efficient coatings. As we strive for a more connected and sustainable future, innovations like these will be crucial in shaping the buildings and vehicles of tomorrow.
