*K. Täschner¹, M. Junghähnel¹, T. Preußner¹, S. Hamid², P. Gretzki³, L. Pongratz³, D. Heberling⁴, C. Hördemann³, A. Gillner^3
1Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP, Dresden, Germany; ²Aachen University, Aachen, Germany ; ³Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, Aachen, Germany ; ⁴Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR, Wachtberg, Germany
In addition to other sensors, radar systems in particular are increasingly being used in modern driver assistance systems to increase comfort and road safety. They have the advantage that they function reliably over long distances even under harsh conditions. However, the installation of additional sensors is strongly limited by the available space. The “RadarGlass“ project addresses several current challenges by aiming to integrate a radar sensor into a car‘s headlamp. The radar system is less disturbed by the cover and in addition, the position offers the possibility of looking both forward and to the side. The heat generated by the light source keeps the radar sensor free of snow, ice and rain. In this project, a novel coating is being developed that functions as an antenna system for automotive radar. The layer is almost transparent in the visible range so that the function of the headlamp is not impaired. High-precision laser ablation produces fine resonant structures that allow the radar waves to be directed and focused. Through this project many possibilities of utilization will be opened up in the automotive and automotive supply industry, whereby a variety of impulses can be expected from the current development trend of autonomous vehicles. We are reporting about the design and manufacturing of transparent, functional coatings made by PVD for manipulating radar for an innovative future use in driver assistant systems.