This company has introduced the Xensation™ line of products for touchscreen applications. A recent market report by the research group at DIGITIMES highlighted some notable statistics: Approximately 40% of all current mobile devices have touchscreens; it is anticipated that with the current double-digit annual growth rate, the adoption of touchscreens will only increase.

Four core technologies currently allow direct interaction with what is being displayed. The so-called “resistive” touchscreens respond to pressure where two electrically conductive layers are pushed together. “Capacitive” panels have a conductive coating, and use a change in an electric field to locate the point of contact. “Surface acoustic wave” (SAW) touchscreens use ultrasonic sound waves that pass over the screen to determine touch position, and “optical” panels are based on an infrared light detection system.

Each of these technologies is suitable for a different type of display application, but each calls for glass materials with specific properties. The new Xensation line can provide a complete range of solutions from a single supplier.

“We are the only manufacturer that can supply glass types for the whole range of cover and touch applications,” said Udo Ungeheuer, chairman of the SCHOTT AG Board. “To support this growing market, SCHOTT has established a Cover & Touch flat glass center of excellence. This brings together 125 years of glass development and production experience, combined with German engineering know-how.”

For additional details, visit www.us.schott.com.