The microtrichia are believed to block stray light from reaching the eyelets in much the same way as matte-surfaced hoods around camera lenses.

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The firm's associate director, Andrew Howis, said the latest study was just one of several efforts under way aimed at tackling the problem of stray light.

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The power needed to run such a small chip is so low that it could be done off stray light in a room, or even body heat.

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Nasa suggested it could be used in detectors and instrument components where stray-light causes problems.

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