UGA scientists finds new technology in Ancient 'Egyptian blue'

They describe surprise in discovering that the calcium copper silicate in Egyptian blue breaks apart into nanosheets so thin that thousands would fit across the width of a human hair. The sheets produce invisible infrared (IR) radiation similar to the beams that communicate between remote controls and TVs, car door locks, and other telecommunications devices. “Calcium copper silicate provides a route to a new class of nanomaterials that are particularly interesting with respect to state-of-the-art pursuits like near-IR-based biomedical imaging, IR light-emitting devices (especially telecommunication platforms), and security ink formulations,” the report states. “In this way we can reimagine the applications of an ancient material through modern technochemical means.”

Cool science, indeed. Deep connections to the past revealing highly imaginative keys to the future; great work in creative research from our faculty. Congratulations, Dr. Salguero.

Image: Coffin panel with funereal scenes used for the priests of Amun at Thebes, who ruled there during the 21st Dynasty, via Wikimedia Commons.