Atometrics White Light Interferometer: Evolution of Smartphone Cover Plates | Industry Applications

The materials used for smartphone cover plates have evolved from plastic and metal to glass/ceramic, and now to nano-textured glass to meet consumer needs. Key factors affecting smartphone glass cover plates include etching depth, angle, particle statistics, and roughness. The Atometrics White Light Interferometer AM-7000 series can accurately measure these process parameters, helping manufacturers enhance the quality of smartphone glass cover plates.

1. Evolution of Smartphone Cover Plate Materials

The materials for smartphone cover plates have continuously evolved with advancements in technology and changes in consumer demands, aiming for lighter, more durable, scratch-resistant, tactile, aesthetic, and high-end designs.

Era 1.0: Plastic

In the early stages, plastic was widely used due to its low cost and ease of processing. However, it fell short in terms of wear resistance and aesthetics, which were critical for the rise of smartphones.

Era 2.0: Metal

Metal improved overall strength and durability while providing a refined and elegant appearance. However, metal materials could interfere with signal reception and wireless charging.

Era 3.0: Glass/Ceramic

With the popularization of 5G and wireless charging technology, manufacturers began using glass and ceramic materials. Glass cover plates solved the signal interference issues associated with metal while enabling wireless charging.

Era 4.0: Nano-Textured Glass

In a fiercely competitive smartphone market, beyond basic scratch and impact resistance, consumers increasingly value aesthetics, tactile experience, personalization, and high-end features. Chemical etching or crystal growth processes on glass cover plates create specific textures, achieving effects like anti-fingerprint, vibrant colors, and soft touch.

Specular reflection and diffuse reflection, the glass cover produces a glare effect under different light conditions due to the principle of diffuse reflection.

Glare effect

Each parameter of plate making, etching solution mixing, and time/temperature control is extremely important. Before mass production, engineers will go through countless experimental adjustments and calculate each parameter based on years of experience to ensure process stability and product consistency during mass production.

The Atometrics white light interferometer AM-7000 series scans and generates the 3D morphology of the glass cover surface in seconds, accurately measures, and provides many process parameters such as etching depth, angle, particle statistics, roughness, etc., so that engineers can quickly adjust the process and improve production efficiency and yield.

The following is a case sharing of the Atometrics white light interferometer AM-7000 series for detecting glass cover plates:

Etching profile, angle, height measurement

Particle statistics

Roughness measurement

In recent years, the AM-7000 series of Atometrics white light interferometers have assisted many glass cover manufacturers to break through R&D bottlenecks. Through sub-nanometer high-precision measurement and control of process parameters, it has helped customers improve product yield and quality, and created more and greater value for customers.

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