Laser-based surface engineered coating and crack healing technology for glass
Innovative laser-based technology for coating and crack healing in glass surfaces, enhancing strength and antimicrobial properties. Ideal for optics, medical devices, and container products with a low-CO2, digital manufacturing process.
Overview
This innovative technology utilizes laser-based processes to engineer coatings and heal cracks in glass surfaces, enhancing their structural integrity and antimicrobial properties. The approach leverages the transmission properties of light in glass and employs a density gradient technique to improve optical and mechanical characteristics. This method is particularly beneficial for applications in optics, medical devices, and container products, offering a low-CO2, digital manufacturing process that is both efficient and scalable.
Technical specifications
- Laser-based coating and crack healing: Utilizes energy delivery and density gradient control to enhance glass surfaces.
- Antimicrobial properties: Non-toxic coatings are developed for enhanced surface protection, ideal for medical and optical applications.
- Density gradient strengthening: Achieved through laser-induced annealing, improving stress resistance in glass.
- Digital manufacturing approach: Incorporates machine learning and additive manufacturing for process quality control and scalability.
- Applications: Optics, medical devices, container products with potential for antimicrobial and photocatalytic surface engineering.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at Technology Readiness Level 5, with successful demonstrations in surface treatment for optics and medical devices. Future validation will focus on density gradient annealing and nano-composite coatings to further enhance strength and scratch resistance, paving the way for a deep-learning-based manufacturing methodology.
About University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is a comprehensive, research‑intensive public university serving a large student body and global partner network. Industry partners engage through an on‑campus innovation hub offering flexible workspace, shared labs and prototyping, and options to co‑locate with academic experts. The university’s integration with major NHS teaching hospitals in the city enables clinical research, validation, and translation. Research is backed by competitive funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) councils and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, with additional European and industry support. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and spinouts, with partnership models and professional education tailored for corporate R&D.
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