Copper Oxide Coated Pigments for Dark LiDAR-Detectable Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dark-colored pigments, such as carbon black, absorb both visible and near-IR electromagnetic radiation, preventing effective detection by LiDAR systems.
Innovation Solution
Development of copper oxide coated particles, specifically cobalt oxide (Co3O4) or carbon black, with a copper oxide layer that reflects near-IR and LiDAR radiation while maintaining a dark color by minimizing visible spectrum reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If dark colored pigments (carbon black) are used to provide dark color, then visible spectrum absorption is improved, but near-IR electromagnetic radiation absorption increases (preventing LiDAR detection)
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the electromagnetic spectrum response by using a composite particle structure: an inner core particle (carbon black or cobalt oxide) that absorbs visible light, and an outer copper oxide coating layer that reflects near-IR radiation. This segmentation allows different parts of the particle to handle different spectral regions independently, achieving both dark color appearance and LiDAR detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining carbon black or cobalt oxide particles with a copper oxide coating layer. The core material provides visible light absorption for dark color, while the copper oxide outer layer provides near-IR reflection for LiDAR detection. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between dark color appearance and near-IR radiation reflection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If copper oxide coating is applied to particles, then near-IR reflectivity is improved, but visible spectrum absorption may increase (affecting dark color)
Solution Approach 1:
The solution applies local quality by creating a layered structure where the inner core material (carbon black or cobalt oxide) is optimized for visible light absorption, while the outer copper oxide coating is optimized for near-IR reflection. Each layer has localized optical properties tailored to its specific function, with the core handling visible spectrum and the coating handling near-IR spectrum.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The copper oxide coated particles enable effective detection by LiDAR systems while maintaining a dark appearance, addressing the challenge of traditional pigments that absorb both visible and near-IR radiation.
Implementation Method 1
dark colored (e.g., black) pigments used in paint systems to provide a dark color absorb not only visible electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
the copper oxide coated pigment has a reflectivity of electromagnetic radiation in a near-IR and LiDAR spectrum that is greater than or equal to 5%
Data Source
AI summary
A method for forming a copper coated particles includes combining a precipitating agent with a solution comprising copper nitrate and particles to forming coated particles. The particles are cobalt oxide (Co3O4) or carbon black. The coated particles are washed to obtain washed coated particles, the washed coated particles are filtered to obtain filtered coated particles, the filtered coated particles are dried to obtain dried coated particles, and the dried coated particles are calcined to obtain the copper coated particles. The copper coated particles have a reflectivity of electromagnetic radiation in a visible spectrum that is less than or equal to 5%, and a reflectivity of electromagnetic radiation in a near-IR and LiDAR spectrum that is greater than or equal to 5%.