Scientists discover the new black: British researchers devise material so dark it looks like a black hole

Vantablack absorbs all but 0.035 per cent of light, a new world record

It is so dark the human eye struggles to discern its dimensions

The material gives the appearance of a 'black hole' on all it covers



British researchers have created the 'new black' of the science world - and it is being dubbed super black.

The material absorbs all but 0.035 per cent of light, a new world record, and is so dark the human eye struggles to discern its shape and dimension, giving the appearance of a black hole.



Named Vantablack, or super black, it also conducts heat seven and half times more effectively than copper, and is ten times stronger than steel.

It is created by Surrey NanoSystems using carbon nanotubes, which are 10,000 thinner than human hair and so miniscule that light cannot get in but can pass into the gaps in between.

British scientists have created a material which absorbs all but 0.035 per cent of light, a new world record, and is so dark the human eye struggles to discern what it is that it is seeing, giving the appearance of a black hole

Named Vantablack, or super black, it also conducts heat seven and half times more effectively than copper, and is ten times stronger than steel

Most of the light is then absorbed as it bounces around, the Independent reports, creating the illusion of a black hole.



It has been grown on sheets of aluminium foil which can be seen in pictures released by the company. While the foil is crinkled and uneven, the surface covered by Vantablack appears completely smooth because of its light absorbing property.



The super black material has been developed for use in astronomical cameras, telescopes and infrared scanning systems and will be launched at the Farnborough International Airshow this week.



It is created by Surrey NanoSystems using carbon nanotubes, which are 10,000 thinner than human hair and so miniscule that light cannot get in but it can pass into the gaps in between



Ben Jensen, Chief Technology Officer of Surrey NanoSystems, said: 'Vantablack is a major breakthrough by UK industry in the application of nanotechnology to optical instrumentation.



'For example, it reduces stray-light, improving the ability of sensitive telescopes to see the faintest stars, and allows the use of smaller, lighter sources in space-borne black body calibration systems.



'Its ultra-low reflectance improves the sensitivity of terrestrial, space and air-borne instrumentation.'