Turn metal into 'black gold'

Now, ' Black Gold ' is not just another idiom. Scientists at the University of Rochester have created a technique that can change the properties of almost any metal to transform it, precisely, to black. The use of this laser's extremely powerful explosion promises a possibility to make everything from fuel cells to space telescope detectors work more efficiently - that's Not to mention the ability to transform your car into the blackest of the black cars.

'We are surprised by the number of applications that can be obtained from this study,' said University of Rochester associate professor Chunlei Guo. 'Previously, we just wanted to know what would happen to the properties of a metal in different laser states and we suddenly discovered this technique, the technique could be completely replaced. change the reflective properties of metal. '

Laser pulse (Photo: garvanit.wordpress.com)

The key to creating black metal is the extremely short and extremely powerful light ray called a millionth of a millisecond (pulsedosecond) laser pulse. The laser boom only lasts a few millionths of a million seconds.

During his brief detonation, Guo's laser technique created a powerful energy equivalent to the entire North American power line system acting on an area as small as the tip of a nose. Kim. That powerful explosion causes the surface of metal to form and nanostructures - metal pits, molten solid droplets and metal fibers - significantly increasing surface area and steaming. radioactive collection. Some larger structures also form in subsequent occurrences.

Guo's team examined the absorption capacity of the ferrous metal and verified that the ferrous metal could absorb almost all of the light shining on it, making it a ' black ' color. like ink '.

There have been many other methods to turn silicon into black, but those methods use gas to create chemically etched microstructures. Conventional silicon has absorbed most of the visible light projected into it, so the etching technique only achieves about 30% efficiency, while conventional metals only absorb a few percent of the visible light. before Professor Guo shot lasers at them.

The increase in the ability to absorb light thanks to a one-millionth-millisecond laser-processing technique means that almost every metal becomes extremely useful whenever people radioactive concentration is needed. For example, all types of detectors - from space probes to film light meters - can capture a much larger amount of data than based detectors. normal metal.

And the technique of converting a metal into black without paint, carving or burning, can easily be used in everyday life such as replacing black paint on car decorations or giving Your fiancé a jet black engagement ring.

Associate Professor Guo is also quick to point out that the remarkable increase in the surface area of ​​metals for nanostructures is a perfect method to catalyze chemical reactions. Along with one of his team members - postdoctoral researcher Dr. Anatoliy Vorobyev, Associate Professor Guo hopes to know how metal can help get more energy from the reaction. fuel cell. This new metal processing technique is implemented on all the metals that Associate Professor Guo used to test and because they are metallic in nature, there is no need to worry about black being lost. go.

Currently, this processing technique is still slow. It may take 30 minutes or more to transform a metallic sample the size of a young finger. However, Associate Professor Guo is investigating how different explosions, different wavelengths and different strengths affect the properties of metals. Fortunately, despite the emergence of a great intensity, the millionth of a millisecond laser technique can operate thanks to a simple wall outlet, which means that when the technology is new. If this is 'refined', the use of it will be quite simple.

television