Laser Turns All Metals Black 333
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."
anything special? (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:Blackness (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:anything special? (Score:4, Insightful)
Now I see why the military might be interest in this. It isn't just an alternative to paint.
All metals huh? (Score:3, Insightful)
Since when were there only 3 metals known to mankind? The summary blows.
Then you look at the articles.
"The key to creating black metal is an ultra-brief, ultra-intense beam of light called a femtosecond laser pulse. The laser burst lasts only a few quadrillionths of a second. To get a grasp of that kind of speed--a femtosecond is to a second what a second is to about 32 million years."
And:
"Currently, the process is slow. To alter a strip of metal the size of your little finger easily takes 30 minutes or more, but Guo is looking at how different burst lengths, different wavelengths, and different intensities affect metal's properties. Fortunately, despite the incredible intensity involved, the femtosecond laser can be powered by a simple wall outlet, meaning that when the process is refined, implementing it should be relatively simple."
I'm guessing this has to do with etching an intricate structure. Perhaps also that the laser can only be fired at a given rate. None of this is explained at all well.
Solar (Score:4, Insightful)
This is a big deal for fuel cells. (Score:5, Insightful)
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 [physorg.com]
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.
Re:Applications (Score:2, Insightful)
Or maybe I'm just an idiot. That's always an option.
Re:Nothing to see, move along. (Score:3, Insightful)
You don't think maybe they would have tried that before reporting the results?
Re:Obligatory Pigpile Rant (Score:1, Insightful)