Vantablack® is a groundbreaking material developed by Surrey NanoSystems (SNS), known for being the darkest substance ever created, capable of absorbing 99.965% of natural light. Initially designed for satellite applications, Vantablack® has since evolved into a range of super-black coatings, including the innovative Vantablack® Vision, which is now making waves in the automotive industry, particularly in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Vantablack® Vision is engineered specifically to enhance the performance of optical sensors in ADAS, which are crucial for vehicle safety and accident prevention. These systems rely on precise signal processing to accurately detect and interpret the vehicle’s surroundings. However, unnecessary light, such as glare and flare, can severely compromise sensor performance, especially in advanced systems with wide-angle fields of view. Vantablack® Vision addresses this challenge by offering unparalleled stray light suppression, significantly reducing optical artifacts that could interfere with sensor accuracy.
The effectiveness of Vantablack® Vision is underscored by its superior Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) measurements. In a study conducted by Synopsys, Vantablack® Vision demonstrated a BRDF value four times lower than that of a specialist urethane-based paint, making it an ideal solution for eliminating unwanted reflections in ADAS sensors.
SNS is actively collaborating with automotive manufacturers and data processing companies to integrate Vantablack® Vision into next-generation vehicle systems. The ultra-black coating not only enhances sensor reliability but also supports the broader goal of making roads safer by ensuring that ADAS can operate at peak efficiency, even in challenging light conditions.
