Invisibility cloak theory proposed
A Harry Potter-style invisibilty cloak has been designed and researchers are taking the first steps to creating it.
With sufficient research and adequate funding it should be done in five years. Artificial composite materials called metamaterials should be able to make light waves flow around an object. This is the second cloaking device theory to be devised within a few months.
Sir John Pendry, a physicist of Imperial College in London, says "It's theoretically possible to do all these Harry Potter things, but what's standing in our way is our engineering capabilities."
Sir John and his colleagues believe they can warp light with the metamaterials whose electromagnetic properties can be altered by manipulating their structure near atomic dimensions. Using a type of electromagnetic radiation these materials can produce no reflection or shadow.
Researchers say it should work and nothing is stopping them from making it, except they still need to find the manufacture of exotic materials with an ability to steer light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation around a cloaked object.
Sir John Pendry, a physicist of Imperial College in London, says "It's theoretically possible to do all these Harry Potter things, but what's standing in our way is our engineering capabilities."
Sir John and his colleagues believe they can warp light with the metamaterials whose electromagnetic properties can be altered by manipulating their structure near atomic dimensions. Using a type of electromagnetic radiation these materials can produce no reflection or shadow.
Researchers say it should work and nothing is stopping them from making it, except they still need to find the manufacture of exotic materials with an ability to steer light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation around a cloaked object.