Electronic/Computer Engineering
I saw an article in NASA Tech briefs about a researcher that discovered something very interesting. I believe he was at the University of Pennsylvania. What he discovered was that photons that hit a aluminum foil that was laser drilled with nano sized holes would travel on the surface of the aluminum foil until it got to the hole then it would go through the hole, instead of just reflecting off the surface. (like anyone would expect it to do.) This seems incredible to me and I would like to know if it is really possible. I saw the article about three years ago and have lost the magizine. I tried to use the web site with no results. The researcher said it was an accidental discovery while trying to make LCD computer displays brighter. The artical also mentioned molding the aluminum foil with nano sized holes to save money.(Vs drilling all the holes with a laser) I didn't realize what the possible implications of this effect might be until sometime later. (If true) I would love to know if this was limited to just aluminum foil or if other metals would work the same way. What size holes and what wavelengths are involved? I knew it might be important when I read it, I just didn't know how important. Astronemy could benifit from this discovery. (as well as many other things.) Someone must know If and how photons can do this.(Curious is an understatment) I have been studing physics and astronemy for 35 years and I am always amazed at the new unexpected things that are discoverd. (many by accident) I also wouldn't be to surprised if no one knew a thing about it. There is just so much information out there. (It is quite a maze.) Thank You Andrew Deardoff Background: Amateur astronomer,and a curious person about all types of science and technology for fourty years.