【ゆっくり解説】立体感が奪われる　世界で最も黒い物質「ベンタブラック」

TL;DR

Benta Black is the blackest substance, absorbing 99.965% of light.

Transcript

Hey, Marisa. What's the matter, Reimu? I've been trying to figure out how various familiar things work. You explained to me about paradoxes and such, didn't you? Yeah. So there are other things that are not so familiar to us. Some kind of substance with interesting properties. I wanted to hear about unusual substances. I see, an interesting substan... Read More

Key Insights

• Benta Black is the blackest substance on Earth, developed by Surrey NanoSystems in 2012. It absorbs 99.965% of light, making objects appear two-dimensional.
• This substance is made from carbon nanotubes, which are vertically aligned to create a 'forest of tubes' that traps light, preventing it from reflecting.
• Benta Black has practical applications in improving the performance of telescopes and infrared cameras by minimizing stray light reflections.
• In 2019, the world's blackest BMW was unveiled using Benta Black technology, showcasing its potential in automotive design.
• Artist Anish Kapoor has exclusive rights to use Benta Black in artworks, leading to controversy and criticism from other artists.
• Benta Black's exclusivity has sparked a rivalry between Anish Kapoor and artist Stuart Semple, who advocates for equal access to artistic materials.
• A new unnamed substance has been discovered that is ten times blacker than Benta Black, though it is not yet fully studied or named.
• Black Muso, a 99.2% light-absorbing water-based paint, offers a similar effect to Benta Black and is available for consumer use.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes Benta Black the blackest substance on Earth?

Benta Black is considered the blackest substance on Earth due to its ability to absorb 99.965% of light. This is achieved through its unique structure composed of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes, which trap light and prevent it from reflecting. This structure creates a 'forest of tubes' that absorbs light multiple times, resulting in an appearance so black that it lacks any three-dimensionality.

Q: How is Benta Black used in practical applications?

Benta Black is used in various practical applications, particularly in technology. Its high light absorption capability is beneficial in minimizing stray light in telescopes, improving the accuracy of astronomical observations. Additionally, it enhances the performance of infrared cameras by reducing internal reflections, allowing for more precise measurements. These applications demonstrate its utility in scientific and technological fields.

Q: Why is Benta Black controversial in the art world?

Benta Black's controversy in the art world stems from its exclusive use by artist Anish Kapoor. Kapoor has secured exclusive rights to use Benta Black in artworks, preventing other artists from utilizing this unique material. This exclusivity has led to criticism and rivalry, notably with artist Stuart Semple, who advocates for equal access to artistic materials. The debate highlights issues of accessibility and fairness in the art community.

Q: What is the structure of Benta Black and how does it work?

Benta Black is structured from carbon nanotubes, which are extremely thin cylinders of carbon arranged vertically. This arrangement creates a 'forest of tubes' that traps incoming light, preventing it from reflecting outward. The light is absorbed multiple times within this structure, resulting in the material's ability to absorb 99.965% of light and appear exceptionally black, lacking any three-dimensional effect.

Q: What is the significance of the artist rivalry involving Benta Black?

The rivalry involving Benta Black, particularly between Anish Kapoor and Stuart Semple, underscores significant issues in the art world regarding material accessibility. Kapoor's exclusive rights to Benta Black have led to criticism from Semple and others who believe artistic materials should be available to all. This conflict highlights broader discussions about fairness, creativity, and the commercialization of unique artistic resources.

Q: Are there any alternatives to Benta Black for general use?

Yes, there are alternatives to Benta Black for general use, such as Black Muso, a water-based paint that absorbs 99.2% of light. While not as black as Benta Black, Black Muso provides a similar jet-black effect and is available for consumer use. It utilizes microscopic cavities on its surface to capture and absorb light, offering an accessible option for those seeking a deep black appearance.

Q: Has a substance blacker than Benta Black been discovered?

Yes, a substance reportedly ten times blacker than Benta Black has been discovered, though it is not yet fully studied or named. This discovery was made accidentally during research, indicating the potential for even darker materials. However, until it is thoroughly researched and named, Benta Black remains the darkest named substance available.

Q: What are the potential uses of Benta Black in technology?

Benta Black's potential uses in technology are significant due to its high light absorption properties. It is used to prevent stray light in telescopes, which is crucial for accurate astronomical observations. Additionally, it enhances the performance of infrared cameras by minimizing internal reflections, leading to more precise measurements. These applications demonstrate its value in scientific and technological advancements.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Benta Black, developed by Surrey NanoSystems, is the blackest known substance, absorbing 99.965% of light. Its unique structure of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes traps light, making objects appear flat. This property has practical applications in technology and art, though its use in art is controversially exclusive to Anish Kapoor.

• The exclusivity of Benta Black for artistic use has led to a public feud between Anish Kapoor and artist Stuart Semple. Semple advocates for equal access to artistic materials, contrasting Kapoor's exclusive rights to Benta Black. This rivalry highlights the broader debate over material accessibility in the art world.

• Benta Black's ability to absorb nearly all light has practical implications beyond art, such as enhancing telescope performance by reducing stray light. While a new, even blacker substance has been discovered, Benta Black remains the darkest named substance. Consumer alternatives like Black Muso offer similar effects for general use.