A new ultra-low reflectance black pigment, LUSHADE® BLACK, absorbs over 99% of visible light, offering significant advancements for optical and industrial applications.
ISHIHARA SANGYO KAISHA, LTD., a leader in chemical innovation, announced today the full-scale production and global market expansion of its groundbreaking black pigment, LUSHADE® BLACK. This revolutionary material, which boasts an unprecedented ability to absorb more than 99.0% of visible light, is poised to become a key component in a new generation of optical technologies and temperature-control coatings.
The development of LUSHADE® BLACK marks a significant achievement in materials science. Unlike traditional black pigments, LUSHADE® BLACK is a structural pigment, meaning its unique optical properties are derived from its physical form rather than solely its chemical composition. The pigment’s surface features a structure resembling microscopic sea urchin spines, a design that enables it to trap and absorb light with extraordinary efficiency, resulting in an ultra-black finish with extremely low reflectance. This low-reflectance property is particularly valuable in applications where controlling stray light is crucial for performance.
One of the most compelling features of LUSHADE® BLACK is its dual functionality. While it excels at absorbing visible light, it also reflects infrared light. This infrared reflectivity allows it to be used in special black coatings that help to suppress surface temperature rise. In an era of increasing concerns over energy efficiency and thermal management, this property makes LUSHADE® BLACK a highly versatile material for a wide range of industrial and consumer products. By helping to reduce heating of coated surfaces, it can contribute to a longer lifespan for components and improve the overall efficiency of devices.
The potential applications for LUSHADE® BLACK are diverse and span across multiple industries. In the field of optics, its ultra-low reflectance is expected to dramatically improve the performance of a wide array of devices. For instance, a coating of LUSHADE® BLACK on the edges of optical lenses can effectively prevent stray light from bouncing around and degrading image quality. Similarly, when applied inside camera modules, the pigment can reduce internal reflections, leading to clearer, sharper, and more vibrant images.
Beyond traditional optics, LUSHADE® BLACK is also positioned to make a significant impact on next-generation technologies. Its infrared-reflective properties make it particularly suitable for use in infrared-based systems, such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). As a critical component in self-driving cars and advanced robotics, LiDAR relies on precise infrared signals. A coating that can reflect infrared light while appearing black to the human eye could enhance the reliability and performance of these systems.
