GB860566A - Improvements in the preparation of transparent electrically conductive layers - Google Patents

Abstract

In a method of preparing an electrically conductive layer transparent to light of the visible and/or infra-red and/or ultra-violet range of the spectrum on a carrier body composed of siliceous material, a synthetic resin or a photosensitive material which is an element or a sulphide, a network layer of very fine metal particles is applied to the carrier body and a metal compound as a covering and filling agent is then applied to the network so as to pass through the spaces thereof and adhere to the carrier body. The metal particles preferably have a size of less than 1000 .u., and are applied by rapid evaporation in vacuo, if desired with cooling of the carrier body, or by chemical reduction of a salt solution. The metal compound is applied by reactive sputtering. Exemplified layers are silver particles covered with indium oxide or zinc oxide, and gold particles covered with bismuth oxide. Further layers such as of lacquer or for light-filtering or absorption purposes may be applied. The electrically conductive layers may be applied (i) to cathode ray tubes to reduce space charge effects and electron deflections, (ii) to mass spectrometers and electron optical systems to accelerate or focus electrons or remove space charge effects, (iii) to windscreens for infra-red reflecting and de-icing purposes, and (iv) in the manufacture of photo-conductive and photo-voltaic cells.