Astronomy seeks to uncover the physical nature of distant objects by detecting the faint light they emit, often millions of times dimmer than what the human eye can see. Astronomers rely on large telescopes that collect as much light as possible, coupled with highly sensitive electronic detectors that record incoming photons. Our multidisciplinary project connects nano-engineers and astronomers from Aalto and Turku Universities, and collaborating companies, to enhance the efficiency of these detectors. By re-engineering the surface of the detector at nanoscale, taking advantage of the nanostructure of black silicon, we significantly increase the ability to convert light into measurable signal. The resulting new generation of revolutionary highly sensitive detectors, will be tested in a real-world setting on the Nordic Optical Telescope. Beyond new astronomical discoveries, this innovation may also lead to technological advances in other scientific fields and industrial applications.

2026

2027