Perfect invisibility cloak?
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November 12, 2012 |
The first ‘perfect’ cloaking demonstration has been announced. The technique can completely hide a centimetre-sized object from microwaves – if everything is lined up correctly. But I’m sceptical of how the research might be used.
What are cloaking devices trying to achieve? I can think of lots of sneaky ways to use an invisibility cloak, but not many positive ones. I don’t feel good about a future where objects such as guns or surveillance cameras can easily be hidden from view.
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The invisibility cloak works for microwave radiation, but not visible light.
Image: Flickr/Katie Harbath
Marc
There are applications beyond hiding something from the visual spectrum. What if you can “hide” a space craft or station from cosmic radiation, or a nuclear reactor. This would massively reduce the amount of shielding necessary for these and hence make them much more affordable and safer endeavours.
There are further applications from the advances in technology, such as more sensitive telescopes (reducing glare, think of light pollution) or less powerful lasers travelling longer distances without losing resolution.
Being able to hide something isn’t about making an invisibility cloak, it’s about bending the electromagnetic spectrum to our needs, whether it is safety, technology (light computers, holographics, optic fibres) or just a neat party trick.
This said, I look forward to the day when you can “drop the invisible curtain” for that surprise party.
Brandon Vincent
An invisibility cloak would be great for
hunting!
Jasmine Spavieri
Hunting or making wildlife documentaries, an invisible camera crew would get some great footage! Could we hide our mobile phones and bags from potential muggers? Other things we could hide:
surprise birthday cakes
pimples