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Laser Turns All Metals Black

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the bzoooom-whaaaawwwww dept.

Roland Piquepaille writes "Researchers at the University of Rochester have found a way to change the properties of almost any metal by using a femtosecond laser pulse. This ultra-intense laser blast creates true 'black metal' from copper, gold or zinc by forming nanostructures at the surface of the metal. As these nanostructures capture radiation, the metals turn black. And as the process needs surprisingly low power, it could soon be used for a variety of applications, such as stealth planes, black jewels or car paintings. But read more for additional references and a picture of this femtosecond laser system."

4 of 333 comments (clear)

  1. anything special? by Loconut1389 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Does this black metal have any special properties aside from being black? The article mainly talks about other ways of making it black not being as good- is that all this really does?

    1. Re:anything special? by sumdumass · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I never thought of it on the same plane before but radio wave (electromagnetic light waves) like what would be used in radar and such are a form of light waves. I guess the term "Black" meaning it absorbs light means it is invisible to radar, infrared and everything else that uses something from the light spectrum to operate. Thermal?.

      Now I see why the military might be interest in this. It isn't just an alternative to paint.

  2. Solar by camperdave · · Score: 3, Insightful

    So this could make for more efficient thermal solar panels.

    --
    When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
  3. This is a big deal for fuel cells. by tetrahedrassface · · Score: 4, Insightful
    So i suppose I should be a little angry for my article submissions rejection this morning on this very subject. Maybe Roland is paying Slashdot to post his submissions, whatever the reasons, unlike Rolands little gem here mine did in fact note that the laser creates globules, pits and voids on the nanoscale level that dramatically increase the surface area of the treated metal.
    This technology has huge ramifications for chemical reactions that need a catalyst, and also in the area of fuel cells.

    Unlike Roland, I actually try to link to the article and not some empty blog. Roland, your technology trends suck. Link to the originating article you fool!

    Physorg
    Also, does Roland even have a degree in science? Because he sure doesn't ever seem to have a grasp of the important things in the articles he submits.