Complex Process Chains for Manufacturing of Invisible Displays Integrated in Bulk Metal Panels

Information displays that are invisible in the inactive state, and concealed in transparent or semi-transparent materials such as plastic or glass, are commercially available. However, if displays were to be invisibly integrated in bulk metal panels, very few known solutions exist. This has to do with the fact that very thin (20-50 nm) metal layers are required for the light to penetrate. This paper describes the realisation of displays integrated in bulk metal panels through the development and optimisation of complex process chains involving laser micromachining, micro electrochemical machining and selective anodising. An extensive experimental investigation of the single processes as well as their sequential combination is reported, and the capabilities of the different process chains are demonstrated.