Scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new material variant of black silicon that can hide a body's temperature from infrared sensors.
The new material has not yet been named, but it is based on “black silicon,” a material used in modern solar panels to trap light and then convert it into heat or electricity.
But while black silicon can trap some of the light emitted by sensors, the percentage is very small. The research team modified the material, and managed to “trap” 94% of the light that hits the surface of the material. This way, there are no reflections and the material does not appear on the sensor. The processed material is 1 millimeter thick, which is the thickness of 10 sheets of paper. It can be placed on top of objects or even people to avoid being detected by infrared scans.
The researchers achieved this result by modifying the surface of the material. After testing, modifying the structure and height of the nanoparticles present on the surface of the black silicon, and adding silver, a material that helps absorb light, we arrived at the desired result.
The new material is still in development, and its application will rely on its mass production capability. The scope of application of the material is quite obvious, and it is none other than the military. With its use, it will be possible to move vehicles, weapons or troops without being detected by sensors. “It is quite easy to deceive an infrared detector,” says Jiang, a professor at the university.
