The blackest of black
Scientists at the National Physical Laboratory announced the creation of a new technology The Ultra commercial production of coatings, which represent one of the darkest of the lowest reflectance of the surface ever created.
Work optical equipment depends on the quality of the materials used in their manufacture. For precision measurements in the ultraviolet, infrared and visible regions of the spectrum, the best receiver radiation and minimizing stray light is critical.
Studying the effects of different methods of chemical etching on various compositions of nickel-phosphorous alloy, the researchers have come up with the most effective to date commercially available black coating. With reflectance as low as 0.35% in the visible region of the spectrum, covering, called Ni-P black - because it is based on the nickel-phosphorous alloy, can be widely used in areas such as radiometry, spectroscopy, optical metrology and within industries for the production of protective coatings and aerospace industry.
Its effectiveness in the detection, and to reduce stray light in tools known. Until recently, the nature of this process has not been fully understood, and the growing demand for a more effective surfaces with a low-reflection prompted the scientists of the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, Middlesex, UK, to conduct the first in-depth study of properties of these coatings.
And the very first results of a new bear fruit more perfect type Ultra Black coating.
One of the advantages of this new material is that it can withstand cryogenic temperatures. Coatings based on nickel-phosphorous compounds will receive materials even higher quality to be almost closer to absolute black, which so far is a relative concept, and yet unattainable. In addition to increasing the accuracy of the optical measurements, one of the biggest benefits to manufacturers and users of optical equipment will be a reduction in the size and weight of optical instruments. All this will be possible thanks to the results of a more effective coverage.
Previously managed to create The Ultra plate is not more than 3.1 cm2. Now the plate can be made in sizes up to 12 cm2, which make them a viable alternative for a broad range of existing applications.
In addition to all these Ultra Black coatings do not grow as rapidly as compared with conventional painted surfaces, and then the painted surface as a cracked at higher temperatures, the new cover are not affected.
Because of these excellent properties of aging, longevity of optical instruments will be calculated for decades, that is extremely attractive and cost-effective alternative to modern instruments.
Contact information:
Noor Kheir, press@npl.co.uk, 208-943-6937, National Physical Laboratory
