A material that looks black to the eye can be bright to a near-infrared sensor. Based on our paper in the Journal of the Japan Society of Infrared Science and Technology, here are three ways to build absorbers that work from the visible range into the NIR, with measured data.

Black anodized aluminum looks matte black, but in the near-infrared it reflects more than 80% of light. Here is what our measurements showed, and how a thin FINESHUT SP lining stops the resulting stray light.

Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties is using ultra-black materials like KIWAMI Fabric and IR Flock Sheet to reduce measurement noise during hyperspectral imaging and cultural preservation research. By suppressing unwanted light reflections in visible and near-infrared wavelengths, these advanced optical materials improve spectral accuracy when analyzing delicate artifacts, textiles, paper, pigments, and historical materials. Discover how ultra-black fabrics are helping researchers achieve cleaner, more precise non-destructive analysis for museums, conservation labs, and imaging applications.

Discover Our Industrial Laser Processing Service for Custom Non-Reflective Black Parts

Struggling with reflection issues in optical or industrial applications? Our laser processing service provides precision cutting for black, non-reflective materials—perfect for optical devices, AR markers, and prototyping. Using Fineshut, a durable ether-based polyurethane foam, we deliver custom laser-cut parts with no minimum order quantity, ensuring fast turnaround for small-lot production.

We also offer non-reflective markers, ideal for AR applications, with superior readability under challenging light conditions. Trusted by leading manufacturers like TAKISAWA Co., Ltd., our solutions improve accuracy, reduce glare, and maintain high optical performance.

Start your project today with easy quoting through our downloadable Laser Cut Calculation Sheet and enjoy precision, durability, and flexibility in every cut.

We visited JAXA's Sagamihara Campus to see how Fineshut KIWAMI is helping a historic rooftop telescope cope with urban stray light, and how that work connects to Japan's JASMINE infrared satellite project.

Fineshut KIWAMI and Musou Black Paint are suppressing stray light inside the visible-light cameras of Japanese astronomical telescopes, helping researchers observe faint objects like Mira variable stars and supernovae.

JAXA is using our infrared-light-absorbing IR Flock Sheet in a darkroom for testing satellite star trackers. Learn what a star tracker does, why absorbing near-infrared light matters, and why this first step is still a ground-based one.