Surrey NanoSystems

Surrey NanoSystems is a British company specializing in the research, development, and manufacture of advanced nanomaterials and deposition systems. Founded as a spin-out from the University of Surrey, it is globally recognized for creating Vantablack, one of the darkest substances ever synthesized. The company's core expertise lies in chemical vapor deposition techniques for applications in sectors ranging from aerospace to consumer electronics.

History

The company originated from pioneering research conducted within the Advanced Technology Institute at the University of Surrey. Incorporated in 2006, it was established to commercialize novel nanoscale engineering processes developed by its scientific founders. Early work focused on enhancing carbon nanotube growth for microelectromechanical systems and semiconductor interconnects. A significant breakthrough was achieved in 2014 with the unveiling of the original Vantablack coating, which captured international attention for its unprecedented light-absorption capabilities. This innovation propelled the firm from a specialized research outfit to a prominent player in the global advanced materials market, leading to the expansion of its facilities in Newhaven, East Sussex.

Technology and Products

The company's proprietary technology is centered on low-temperature chemical vapor deposition systems that enable the growth of highly aligned carbon nanotube arrays on temperature-sensitive substrates. Its flagship product, Vantablack, is not a paint but a functional coating composed of a forest of vertical nanotubes; incident light is trapped and dissipated as heat, achieving absorption rates exceeding 99.965% in the visible spectrum. Subsequent developments have yielded sprayable variants like Vantablack S-VIS for broader applications. Beyond super-black coatings, its portfolio includes the Gamma family of deposition systems, used by research institutions and corporations such as STMicroelectronics and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company for developing next-generation semiconductors and nanoscale devices.

Applications

Primary applications are found in high-performance optical and sensing systems where stray light degradation is critical. Within the aerospace and defense industry, its coatings are used to calibrate star trackers, enhance the sensitivity of telescopes like those on the James Webb Space Telescope, and improve the accuracy of infrared cameras. The automotive industry employs the materials for light detection and ranging sensors in autonomous vehicles. Additional uses include architectural and artistic installations, notably in collaborations with artists like Anish Kapoor, and functional aesthetics in luxury goods. The technology also shows promise for improving efficiency in solar power systems and reducing optical crosstalk in advanced imaging sensors.

Collaborations and Partnerships

The company maintains strategic partnerships with global industrial and academic entities to advance material science and integration. It has worked extensively with major aerospace agencies, including the European Space Agency and NASA, on satellite and instrument calibration projects. Collaborative research agreements are in place with institutions like the National Physical Laboratory (United Kingdom) for measurement science. In the commercial sector, it partners with manufacturers such as Bühler Group for scale-up processes and with various automotive suppliers for sensor development. These alliances are facilitated through membership in organizations like the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult and the Advanced Propulsion Centre.

Recognition and Awards

The innovation of Vantablack earned the company the 2015 MacRobert Award, the United Kingdom's premier prize for engineering innovation, presented by the Royal Academy of Engineering. It was also a finalist for the European Inventor Award in 2017. The technology has been recognized with the Material of the Year award at the IDTechEx conference and has received accolades from institutions like the Institute of Physics. These awards underscore its significant contribution to advancing nanomaterials science and its successful translation of laboratory research into commercially viable, world-leading products.

Category:Companies based in East Sussex Category:British companies established in 2006 Category:Nanotechnology companies