Vantablack properties in commercial thermal infrared imaging systems

Abstract

We describe the use of Vantablack® in commercial infrared imaging systems, including in thermal infrared cameras and test equipment. Vantablack® is an ultra-black coating developed by Surrey NanoSystems Ltd. in the United Kingdom and supported in the USA by Santa Barbara Infrared, Inc. Vantablack® was originally developed for satellite-borne blackbody calibration systems and is now available in two versions, either directly applied to surfaces using vacuum-deposition technology (Vantablack®), or by spraying and then post-processing (Vantablack®-S). In this paper, we present the results of Vantablack®-S coated cold shields and blackbody calibration sources; and compare performance to other industry standard black coatings. Also included are results of environmental testing on coated surfaces demonstrating that, while they are not meant to be touched, they withstand extremes of heat, vacuum and thermal cycling as well or better than other black coatings.