UV and plasma treatment of thin silver layers and glass surfaces

Thin silver layers can be modified by treatment with UV radiation or a plasma discharge. UV treatment at a wavelength of image  nm improves the layer properties, thus leading to an enhancement of the layers IR reflectivity. For the purpose of in situ-measurement the sheet resistance is recorded during the process. Due to the Hagen–Rubens-Relation  the sheet resistance is linked to the IR reflectivity of thin metal-films. A pretreatment of uncoated glass using a dielectric barrier discharge activates and cleans its surface, thus leading to an increase in adhesion of thin layers.