Carbon nanotubes absorb 99.995% of the visible spectrum
a 16.78-carat yellow diamond, worth $2m, which was on display at the New York Stock Exchange, disappeared from view. Police were not, however, called to the scene. The disappearance was intentional. The diamond, part of an artwork called “The Redemption of Vanity”, had been coated in a “super-black” layer of carbon nanotubes which, by absorbing 99.995% of the visible spectrum, made the usually sparkling gemstone seem practically invisible inside its dark case.
Nanotubes, which have an atomic structure similar to graphite’s, are naturally black. To make them super-black means growing them as forests that rise upward from the surface to be blackened. That way, once light enters the forest, it bounces from tube to tube—with each encounter bringing a high chance that the light will be absorbed. Few photons survive this process long enough to escape from the top of the forest canopy and be reflected from the surface. The effect is uncanny.
Dr Wardle’s team has been experimenting with aluminium surfaces instead of iron nanoparticles, and employing substances like baking soda and salt to prepare the aluminium. These materials remove the thin oxide layer that forms naturally on the metal when it is exposed to air. The sodium in them also seems to act as a catalyst in the way that iron does. The result is a process that operates at 400°C instead of 700°C, and which produces one of the superest blacks around.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Renée Zellweger Really Is That Good in Judy'Renée Zellweger’s naturalistic portrayal of Garland is as good as advertised: She innately grasps both the pathos and the charm of a woman who might be troubled offstage but can snap back into her star persona at the opening chords of 'Get Happy.'' Judy
Read more »
A high-noon moment for Pope Francis over the AmazonFinding solutions within the bounds of basic Catholic principles could be crucial to the success or failure of the synod
Read more »
Dashcam video shows escaping suspect fire at officers before fleeing into forestDashcam video just released shows a suspect shooting at police officers before fleeing into a forest.
Read more »
'Joker' Actor Brett Cullen on Thomas Wayne's SecretThe actor shares his thoughts on the script's twists, and reveals the scene that was rewritten: 'the confrontation was much more comedic compared to the darker original.'
Read more »
Hundreds of thousands voice outrage over Bolivian leader's response to forest firesHundreds of thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Bolivia'...
Read more »
Forest Whitaker cuts price of two-house compound in the Hollywood HillsIn Hollywood Hills, a secluded compound owned by actor Forest Whitaker is up for grabs at $4.295 million.
Read more »