The Darkest Black on Earth? Why Scientists & Artists Want the World’s Blackest Substances
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Artists and scientists are searching for ever more light-absorbing materials.
To find out what’s behind the quest for ultra-blacks, WIRED’s Aerielle Pardes talked with artist Stuart Semple and physicist John Lehman about these amazing materials.
What implications does the development of Ultra-Black substances have for our understanding of colour and light?
The Darkest Black on Earth? Why Scientists & Artists Want the World’s Blackest Substances
Black has always been a favorite color for artists, fashion designers, and architects. With its capability of absorbing light, it creates a sense of mystery, sophistication, and elegance that no other colors can match. However, in recent years, scientists and artists have been on a hunt for a new kind of black – the world’s blackest substance.
In 2014, Surrey NanoSystems, a British company, announced Vantablack, a material that absorbed 99.96% of light. The substance is made of vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays that trap light bouncing back and forth between them. The result is a nearly perfect black that has been used for scientific research, military technology, and artistic expression.
Scientists have taken a keen interest in Vantablack and other Ultra-Black substances because they have significant implications for space exploration, telescopes, and the study of the universe. Researchers have also found that Ultra-Black materials have properties that could be useful in developing stealth technology, solar panels, and more.
However, many artists have adopted the new black and are now experimenting with a new form of expression. “Black is fundamental to my work. It creates space, emptiness, silence,” says artist Anish Kapoor. “Vantablack has the potential to create a kind of space that cannot be experienced in any other way.”
Vantablack has already been used by Kapoor to create a series of sculptures that disappear into a deep, black void, leaving the viewer confused and disoriented. Other artists are experimenting with Ultra-Black substances to create optical illusions, 3D effects, and to enhance the depth and contrast of their work.
The pursuit of the blackest black has also caught the attention of the public, creating a viral trend that has overflown into the world of fashion and design. In 2017, BMW unveiled a unique version of their popular X6 SUV, coated in Vantablack. The result was a vehicle that seemed to be emerging from the void, giving it a sleek and futuristic appearance.
The obsession with Ultra-Black materials may seem like a fad, but it is more than that. The development of new substances with high light-absorption capabilities has opened up new possibilities for scientific discoveries, military technology, and artistic expression. Ultra-Black materials have also sparked discussions about the importance of color in our daily lives and the significance of darkness and light.
In conclusion, the hunt for the world’s blackest substance has led to the development of new materials that have revolutionized various industries, from science to art and design. While the pursuit of darkness may seem like a paradox, it has created a newfound appreciation for the importance of color and its impact on our lives. The quest for the darkest black on earth is an ongoing process that continues to captivate imaginations and spark creativity.
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