Drying of electrode coatings is a delicate process and consumes ~30% of the energy in Li-ion battery manufacturing. Currently convection ovens are used that are inefficient and very large (60 – 100 m long). Laser drying offers several advantages, mainly improved energy efficiency, reduced floor space and increased process control. We developed a new generation of high-power laser modules for laser drying in battery electrode fabrication. Low power densities and homogeneous heating with full system efficiencies > 50% is within the record system efficiencies offered today. Moreover, simple scalability of the illumination profile and highly standardized fabrication techniques are the game changer benefits from using VCSELs as light source.
Roman Koerner studied electrical engineering in Stuttgart where he completed his PhD on The Germanium-Zener-Emitter for Silicon Photonics. Roman works as Head of Global R&D at TRUMPF Photonic Components and has a strong background on silicon state of the art processing technology.