Light Absorbing Nanorods

Researchers have developed a breakthrough light-absorbing material, Rennselaer Polytechnic announced yesterday. The New York state school has successfully created a near perfect anti-reflective optical coating (shown at left) using angled silica nanorods on top of an aluminum nitride layer. The result all but stops light from refracting as it hits the surface: light either passes through unchanged or is completely absorbed.

Although too fragile to be used in the wet, the invention could result in much more efficient use of light, scientists say. Solar cells could receive much more light, while LEDs and other sources could become 'smarter' by having complete control over the amount of light that escapes. No production plans yet exist but should come within the next few years. [via ZDNet]

By Electronista Staff