Seminar on Materials Processing – for improved performance by Patrik Hoffmann

Seminar on Materials Processing – for improved performance

Speaker: Prof. Patrik Hoffmann (EMPA/EPFL, Switzerland)

Host: Prof. Robin Ras (Soft Matter and Wetting group)

Abstract: 

Many properties of matter are determined by the top surface topology and chemistry. Laser processing and coatings are offering a large variety of modifications and functionalities. Individual work piece processing by laser might be economically challenging as it is, and remains, a serial process. Therefore we are thinking about mask projection direct Excimer laser ablation as alternative for Petapixel structures on square meter substrates and industrialization of microstructures with replication technologies. Replication in polymer and ceramic will be presented.

From molecular monolayers to several hundrets of nanometer thick films, the applications range from wetting influencing by silanization, to growth of BaTiO3 films for on chip optical signal modulation and switching. Some interesting findings with respect to both applications will be presented and discussed.

Within our research of laser processing, we entered into the field of real time monitoring of processes and by applying modern algorithms, classification of process regimes could be carried out and even closed loop control of the processing could be achieved.

In the field of tribology, laser structured oil lubricated steel on cast iron systems were studied in order to search for possible early detection of scuffing and by analyzing the fingerprints of acoustic signals, scuffing could be predicted by several minutes – enough time to avoid devastative scuffing by decreasing the load of the machines. Such methods will pave the way to a energy and value saving direction of predictive maintenance.

If time will allow some fancy findings in nano-optics for Scanning near field optical microscopy could be presented as basis for further discussions.