Importance

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Abstract

Composite materials that can be used to block radiation of a selected wavelength range or provide highly pure colors are disclosed. The materials include dispersions of metal particles that exhibit optical resonance behavior, presenting to the selected radiation absorption cross-sections that substantially exceed the particles' geometric cross-sections. The particles are preferably manufactured as uniform nanosize spheres, and dispersed evenly within a carrier material having compatible dielectric characteristics. The large absorption cross-sections ensure that a relatively small volume of particles will render the composite material fully opaque (or nearly so) to incident radiation of the resonance wavelength, blocking harmful radiation or producing highly pure colors. The durability of the particles themselves ensure resistance to mechanical wear forces and the bleaching effects of intense radiation (e.g., sunlight).

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First Claim