Metal Work

Chunlei Guo at the University of Rochester has come up with a method to alter the surface of any metal to reflect the wavelength of light desired, using a femtosecond discharge of a powerful laser.  The end result, we should be able color any metal to any hue we care to, by altering the metal itself.  Currently only certain hues have been done, but Guo is confident that the entire spectrum lies at our fingertips.

This is a really interesting use of the now ubiquitous laser.  No, it’s not like your pen laser, making a little red dot for your cats to chase, but the principal is no different - concentrating light to emit a coherent beam.  From surgical techniques to metal manipulation, the laser has to go down as one of the most amazing technological developments man has created.