Researchers develop ultrablack thin-film coating for aerospace-grade magnesium alloys, absorbing 99.3% of light.

Researchers from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed an ultrablack thin-film coating for aerospace-grade magnesium alloys, absorbing 99.3% of light. This coating could enhance performance for next-gen telescopes and optical systems in extreme conditions, as existing black coatings like vertically aligned carbon nanotubes and black silicon are limited by fragility.