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Scalable Solution-processed Fabrication Strategy for High-performance, Flexible, Transparent Electrodes with Embedded Metal Mesh
Published on: June 23, 2017
Transparent EMI shielding and a thermal insulating optical window based on a randomized metallic mesh and ITO-based
Applied Optics
|June 10, 2026
Summary
This study presents a novel transparent window combining a randomized metallic mesh and indium tin oxide coating. It achieves high optical transparency, effective electromagnetic interference shielding, and thermal insulation for advanced electronics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optoelectronics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Electronic systems require multifunctional optical windows for transparency, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and thermal insulation.
- Current transparent EMI shielding methods using conductive films, nanowires, or meshes face limitations in shielding effectiveness, optical transmittance, and thermal management.
- Balancing optical, electromagnetic, and thermal properties in transparent shielding windows is a persistent challenge for advanced electro-optical systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate a novel structure for multifunctional optical windows that overcomes existing trade-offs.
- To enhance electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness and thermal insulation while maintaining high optical transmittance.
- To address diffraction effects in metallic meshes and improve imaging quality for better optical performance.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel structure combining a randomized metallic mesh with an indium tin oxide (ITO)-based coating on a fused silica substrate.
- Employed a randomization optimization strategy for the metallic mesh to homogenize diffraction intensity and improve imaging.
- Fabricated the metallic mesh and ITO coating on opposite sides of the substrate to maximize EMI shielding without compromising optical transmittance.
Main Results:
- Achieved high optical transmittance exceeding 85% in the 400-700 nm visible light range.
- Demonstrated superior EMI shielding effectiveness of 37-44 dB in the X-band (8.2-12.4 GHz).
- The ITO coating provided over 90% reflectance in the 2-14 µm infrared range for significant thermal insulation.
Conclusions:
- The proposed design effectively balances optical, electromagnetic, and thermal functionalities in transparent shielding windows.
- This novel structure offers a robust solution for advanced electro-optical systems operating in complex environments.
- The combination of a randomized metallic mesh and ITO coating presents a significant advancement in multifunctional transparent materials.
