During more than 50 years of the laser existence, they have been proved as the unique tool for diverse material processing application. New application ideas, coming from universities and research institutions, are usually implemented by spin-off companies with limited resources for market penetration. Research laboratories are using universal laser tools, while effective and low-cost production requires adaptation of the processes and equipment during the technology assessment by the end-user.
The APPOLO project seeks to establish and coordinate connections between the end-users, which have demand on laser technologies for (micro)fabrication, knowledge accumulated in the application laboratories of the research institutes, as well as universities and the laser equipment manufacturers (preferable SMEs) of novel lasers, beam control and guiding, etc. The goal is to facilitate faster validation of the process feasibility and adaptation of the equipment for manufacturing, as well as assessment of the selected production processes. The core of the consortium comprises laser application laboratories around Europe which are connected into a virtual hub to accumulate knowledge and infrastructure and promote the easy-to-access environment for the development and validation of laser-based technologies. All the partners have chosen a few directions for the assessment of novel laser technologies: in ultra-short pulse laser scribing for monolithic interconnections in thin film CIGS solar cells - from lasers to pilot lines; use of the lasers and intelligent scanning in smart surface texturing for automotive and printing/decoration industries and for 3D flexible electronics.
Implementation of the APPOLO project will help the partners from European photonics industry to preserve their competitiveness and penetrate new niches on the global market. The equipment builders for automotive, photovoltaics, electronics and printing industries will benefit from faster integration of innovative technologies which will provide the new-quality consumer products, including low-cost and high-efficiency solar cells, comfortable interior and functionality of cars, smart sensors for environmental monitoring and more.