Silver-Based Low-Emissivity Coating Technology for Energy- Saving Window Applications

Abstract

Low-emissivity (low-E) technology is a unique and cost-effective solution to save energy in buildings for different climates. Its development combines advances in materials sci- ence, vacuum deposition, and optical design. In this chapter, we will review the fun- damentals of energy saving window coatings, the history of its application, and the materials used. The current low-E coating technologies are overviewed, especially silver- based low-E technologies, which comprise more than 90% of the overall low-E market today. Further, the advanced understanding of generating high-quality silver thin films is discussed, which is at the heart of silver-based low-E product technology development. How the silver thin film electrical, optical, and emissivity properties are influenced by their microstructure, thickness, and by the materials on neighboring layers will be dis- cussed from a theoretical and an experimental perspective.