Ultrathin Color Coating Saves Pounds and Money

Dec-26-14 A new ultrathin color coating from Harvard offers a lightweight and affordable alternative to paint—and could also be used to augment photodetectors and solar cells.

The technology involves using an electron-beam evaporator to vaporize metal and then directing the vapor to collect on the surface of a metallic item (or an object that has been prepped with a base layer of vaporized metal). Repeating the process to create multiple layers results in an ultrathin coating that will scatter light to create a color, and the colors can be chosen based on the amount and types of metals used.

Unlike an earlier version of the technology, the refined technique can be used to coat virtually any surface—including surfaces that are rough or need to remain flexible.

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[GIZMAG.COM]
[SEAS.HARVARD.EDU]

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