At TrimTabs, we have high expectations of what can be achieved with the help of carbon nanotubes; but every time we think we have seen it all, something new comes along and blows our minds again. This week, we learned that CNTs could also play a central role in the search for extraterrestrial life; if successful in finding life, CNTs could be the most famous material in two worlds.

Carbon Nanotubes and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

NASA recently described how CNTs help us see further into deepspace. Thanks to their dark material properties, CNTs can help remove stray light that otherwise obscures the viewpoint when looking into space. For example, the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) is the first telescope designed to search for signs of life on exoplanets. Many exoplanets orbit other stars, which makes them extremely difficult to visualise since the stars tend to be far brighter than the planets, limiting the sensitivity of observations through a telescope. 

To overcome this challenge, scientists need to block out the light from the stars; this is where CNTs come in. 

How Carbon Nanotubes Improve Telescope Sensitivity

CNTs are renowned for absorbing over 99% of all light. At TrimTabs, we see this firsthand when we open up our CNT containers – no light escapes or is reflected back to us; it is like looking into a black hole. 

By applying CNTs to the apodiser mirror structure of a coronagraph, a telescopic attachment designed to block out the direct light from a star or other bright object, much of the stray light can be blocked from entering the detector, creating a ‘dark zone’ where only the light from the exoplanet can be seen. This will significantly enhance the sensitivity of the HWO’s observations of exoplanets, enabling scientists to analyse the spectrum of light captured to determine the presence of water vapour, oxygen, and other gases that will tell us whether the exoplanet has the potential to support life.

Looking Forward: Challenges and Future Potential

While CNTs hold great promise, developing a CNT-coated apodiser for use on the HWO is not without its challenges. Researchers at Advanced Nanophotonics and other institutions are currently working to refine this technology. They aim to create an optimised, thoroughly tested CNT-coated apodiser mirror that will help NASA succeed in the search for life beyond Earth.

Ultimately, this advancement indicates CNTs' potential, extending far beyond their current applications. As we continue to develop and refine these materials, we’re excited to see how CNTs might further transform our understanding of the universe.

To learn more, check out the full article by the NASA Science Editorial Team, or explore our Nanotube News for more exciting stories about the potential of CNTs!