University of Victoria

<p><strong>University of Victoria</strong></p>
<p>The University of Victoria (UVic) is located in Victoria, British Columbia on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. We are widely recognized for leadership in research, inspired teaching, community engagement and industry partnerships. UVic works with local, national and international innovators in research and development to maintain its standing at #1 in North America for Published Research Based on International Collaborations (Leiden rankings, 2011-2019). Researchers at UVic work to discover technologies that make a difference, making contributions to a wide range of fields from fuel cells to cancer cells to climate change and cultural change. We are small enough to be personable and agile, and big enough to make an impact on the world. We strive to make change through research excellence, and a diverse research portfolio for continued growth and further global prominence. UVic has an innovative spirit with a desire to see new ideas and discoveries come to life. </p>
<p><strong>Research Partnerships</strong></p>
<p>The Research Partnerships office manages all commercialization and technology transfer activities for UVic. Our office builds relationships with external partners and supports the engaged research environment. We manage the innovation process via disclosure, evaluation and protection of intellectual property. We have filed 550+ patents, received 1100+ invention disclosures and launched 170+ start-up companies since our office’s inception in 1992. Industry-academic partnerships are the most valuable way industry can leverage UVic’s expertise. We welcome inquiries from companies interested in collaborating with UVic or from those wanting to learn more about our licensing opportunities.</p>


<h1 id="background">Background</h1>
<p>Transparent conductive films (TCFs) are used in most optoelectrical devices. Optoelectrical devices are used in solar panels, optical fibers, fiber optic communication, and more. The TCFs are integral to defining the final properties of the device. As such, the cost to produce TCFs directly affects the price point of the final product. There is a high market demand for thinner, flexible, and higher quality optoelectrical devices This demand has created a need for a low-cost solution that meets the needs of industry, such as greater flexibility and lower cost.</p>
<h1 id="technology-overview">Technology Overview</h1>
<p>UVic researchers have developed a field nanowire (NW) chaining that can create TCFs in a fast and scalable way. This novel solution eliminates the need for expensive tools or multiple, complex fabrication steps. Any conductive materials with any shapes and geometries can be used. By controlling NW connectivity, This cost-effective solution of field-assisted NW chaining, can generate highly ordered and connected chains of NWs on polymeric or rigid substrates.</p>
<h1 id="benefits">Benefits</h1>
<ul>
<li>Reduce the number of floating NWs, NWs that are not connected to the adjacent ones, and improve light transmissivity.</li>
<li>Create uniform optical and electrical properties throughout the film.</li>
<li>Reduce the amount of material needed to generate required conductivity and therefore, reduce the material cost.</li>
<li>Eliminate NW welding process. Thus, manufacturing process can be faster, less expensive with less complexity.</li>
</ul>
<h1 id="applications">Applications</h1>
<p>Solar cells, optical fibers, fiber optic communication</p>
