Posted on 04/03/2007 8:44:27 AM PDT by nypokerface
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., April 3 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists, taking a tip from Star Trek, have used nanotechnology to create a theoretical optical "cloaking" device that can make objects invisible.
The Purdue University engineers, following mathematical guidelines devised by British physicists, created the theoretical device that can render objects invisible by guiding light around anything placed inside the "cloak."
The design uses an array of tiny needles radiating outward from a central spoke. The device would bend light around the object being cloaked. Background objects would be visible, but not the object surrounded by the cylindrical array of nano-needles, said Vladimir Shalaev, a professor of electrical and computer engineering.
The design does, however, have a major limitation: It works only for any single wavelength, and not for the entire frequency range of the visible spectrum, Shalaev said.
"But this is a first design step toward creating an optical cloaking device that might work for all wavelengths of visible light," he said.
The research is detailed in a paper appearing this month in the journal Nature Photonics.
Well, there go the veils.
I’d take an Infrared cloak to the field with me, and for the deer-stand I would take the Ultra-violet.
As it currently exists, it may be able to cloak an object from a laser.
Somewhere, Nikola Tesla is laughing maniacally.
There are other theoretical methods that use other properties of light such as polarization. This approach seems kind of primitive.
Would someone please slap one of these on Helen Thomas’ face?
I’m waiting for the transporter myself.
I could never understand why a simple black cloth or “cloak” was never touted as a cloaking device. When all of the object is covered with such a cloth, none of that object can be seen.
When we were kids, in order to be invisible all we had to do was put our hands over our faces.
Scientists make everything soooo complicated.
But the downside is that you still know an object is there. The ultimate "cloak" is to make it appear as if nothing is there.
I was thinking the seal clubbers could really use a suit based on this technology!
well I have a theortical money tree in my back yard and a theoretical title to a bridge in Brooklyn.
I’ve got news for them. JK Rowling published data on this in her first Harry Potter book.
Nice. Mrs. B. J. Smegma. LOL!
Yeah, but will that device work on Rosie O’s big butt?
Yeah, but will that device work on Rosie O’s big butt?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.