Transparent nanowire films block 99.97% of electromagnetic noise

Researchers have developed an ultra-thin, flexible, and transparent nanowire film that blocks 99.97% of electromagnetic interference (EMI), addressing a critical challenge in protecting sensitive electronics from disruptive electromagnetic signals. Traditional EMI shields rely on thick, rigid, and opaque metal layers unsuitable for transparent or bendable devices. The breakthrough came from precisely aligning silver nanowires—thousands of times thinner than a human hair—using interfacial dielectrophoresis, which arranges the wires into neat, flexible patterns with nanoscale gaps. These gaps act as microscopic energy buffers, significantly weakening incoming electromagnetic waves without compromising transparency. Further enhancement was achieved by applying ultrafast laser pulses that weld the nanowires at contact points and remove insulating surface residues. This laser treatment simultaneously reduced electrical resistance by 46 times and improved transparency by up to 10%, a rare dual improvement in metallic nanowire films. The resulting film is only 5.1 micrometers thick, maintains