Metablack: ultra-black surfaces for optical and space applications
Stray light can compromise the performance of even the most advanced optical systems. With Metablack, Sirris pioneers laser micro-textured ultra-black metal surfaces that deliver extreme light absorption, high emissivity and long-term stability without organic coatings.
Metablack addresses the challenge of stray light
Modern space and optic systems are becoming more compact, more sensitive and more demanding. Even minimal reflections can degrade signal quality and measurement accuracy.
Metablack addresses this challenge by
Up to 10× better suppression than conventional black coatings
High absorption over a wide wavelength range (from VIS to LWIR)
high absorption at any incident angle
Resistant to vacuum, corrosion and cosmic radiation
Fully inorganic surface eliminates contamination risks
High handling resistance and easily cleanable surfaces
What is Metablack?
Metablack is Sirris’ ultra-black surface technology, created through laser micro-texturing of metal substrates.
Instead of applying a coating, the surface itself is engineered at the micro- and nanoscale. This multiscale geometry traps incoming light, enabling exceptional absorption. The optical performance is defined by structure rather than material, ensuring durability and long-term stability even in harsh environments.
How laser micro-texturing creates ultra-black surfaces
Sirris uses high-precision laser micro-texturing to directly modify metal surfaces, creating ultra-black surfaces with exceptional light absorption:
Laser pulses generate micro- and nanostructures that trap incoming light
Reflection is suppressed across the spectrum, from visible to long-wave infrared (LWIR)
The optical performance is achieved without coatings, binders or pigments
Compatible substrates include:
- Ni-coated aluminium for best performance, patent pending
- Stainless steel
- Titanium
- Copper
- Invar
Key performance metrics of ultra-black surfaces
Reflectance (THR, VIS–LWIR)
~1%
Solar absorptance
0.989
Emissivity (3–17 μm)
0.982
Humidity resistance
Passed (1 bar, 92% RH, 45°C, 24h)
Outgassing
< 0.1% TML (vacuum, 125°C, 24h)
Very low angular dependency
Black in a very wide wavelenght range
Applications of ultra-black surfaces
Metablack is particularly suited for applications where optical and thermal performance are critical:
- Space optics and telescopes
- Earth observation and remote sensing instruments
- Optical baffles and stray-light suppression components
- Sensors, detectors and optic systems
- Thermal control surfaces and radiators
Why choose Sirris for ultra-black surface technology?
Companies choose Sirris for Metablack because we combine deep technological expertise with hands-on production:
- State-of-the-art production : advanced manufacturing facility in Belgium
- Made in EU, ITAR-free
- Broad manufacturing expertise: from materials engineering to precision processing
- Engineering support: from concept to industrialisation
- Trusted partner: founded in 1947 with a strong track record in aerospace
Our experts
Enhance optical performance with Metablack ultra-black surfaces
Struggling with stray light or coating limitations in demanding environments? Metablack uses laser micro-texturing to create ultra-black surfaces that improve optical performance, reliability and long-term stability without organic coatings.
Our experts help you assess feasibility, select the right approach and validate performance for your application.