# Black Silicon SiOnyx' Light Harnessing Breakthrough By Michael Plishka | Published 2008-10-15 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-silicon-solar-light-harvard-sionyx-detector References: [nytimes](http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/business/12stream.html?_r=2&ref=business&oref=slogin&oref=slogin) & [sionyx](http://www.sionyx.com) The ability to cost-effectively and efficiently harness light is essential to communication, digital imaging, solar energy, chemical detection and automation. The impending commercialization of [Black Silicon](http://mazur-www.harvard.edu/research/detailspage.php?rowid=1) by [SiOnyx](http://www.sionyx.com) promises to revolutionize these fields. Originally developed by researchers at [Harvard](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foodberry), black silicon is formed by bombarding a silicon surface with intense, short bursts of laser light in the presence of a sulphur containing gas. This results in a surface made up of microscopic spikes that absorbs light extremely efficiently. Oh...and it also turns the absorbed light into electrical energy. Another key advantage is that this material can be manufactured using existing processes so the cost of implementation is not a barrier to bringing this technology to market. Where will this new technology be used first? Based upon the Sionyx website and the natural fit of using this sensor in low-light applications, look for this to be used in [night-vision devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cigman-cnvpro-binoculars). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Revolutionizing Night-vision:** The commercialization of Black Silicon presents an opportunity to disrupt the night-vision industry by providing highly efficient light-harnessing technology. - **Advancing Digital Imaging:** The breakthrough of Black Silicon offers disruptive innovation opportunities in the digital imaging industry by providing enhanced light absorption and conversion capabilities. - **Transforming Solar Energy:** The use of Black Silicon in solar energy can revolutionize the industry by improving the efficiency of light utilization and energy conversion. ### Where This Applies - **Night-vision Devices:** The implementation of Black Silicon in night-vision devices can provide a significant advancement in low-light imaging technology. - **Digital Imaging:** The integration of Black Silicon in digital imaging devices can disrupt the industry by enabling superior light capturing and conversion capabilities. - **Solar Energy:** The utilization of Black Silicon in solar panels can lead to disruptive innovation in the solar energy industry by enhancing light absorption and energy generation efficiency. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Smart City Infrastructure Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/siliconphotonics.md) - [Cutting-Edge Photon Detection Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photon-detection.md) - [Advanced Imaging Sensor designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advanced-imaging-sensor.md) - [Performance-Enhancing Industrial Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raven-materials.md) - [Whole-Vehicle Black Electrochromic Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advanced-dimming-technology.md) - [Ultra-Light Digital Monoculars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/akaso-unveils-the-sight300.md) - [Exceptionally Efficient Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-solar-cell.md) - [Next-Generation Thermal Imaging Innovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thermal-imaging-innovation.md) - [Lunar Material-Based Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-dust.md)