My weakness for metaphor is finally going to pay off, as we scoop the industry and embrace “metamaterials.” I don’t know if they’re lighter than bamboo, but if they weigh like lead I’ll assume that burden, I want this that bad.
In an upcoming issue of the journal Physical Review Letters, physicists Zhichao Ruan, Min Yan, Curtis W. Neff and Min Qiu of Sweden’s Royal Institute of Technology and China’s Zhejiang University show that a cloak made of metamaterials and shaped into a column could make the Muggle, witch or or wizard inside completely invisible.
“Cloak” sounds like a fabric but at this early stage of development it is copper rings swathed in fiberglass. I don’t think we can get in the water with it due to the spontaneous release of high voltage, but if they want a guinea-pig, I am sure going to volunteer one of you guys.
Copper and fiberglass sounds like a fly rod to me, and while those wary trout are eyeballing me eating my lunch, thinking I don’t have a fly in the water – they will be so wrong.
I cannot be trusted, I know this.
Technorati Tags: metamaterials, invisibility, fishing
When I heard of this, it was several months ago. 6? Anyway, I have to agree. It is all to dangerous-in a number of ways. Perhaps the government alone might use it, I can readily see it’s criminal possibilities, not to mention the risks if terrorists get their hands on some.
I expect they will paint aircraft carriers with it, and some yokel will take a pint home in his pants leg.
Remind me never to use a public restroom again, in about a decade…Sheesh.
can you get this material for structural use?
Sure, the government can use it. After all aren’t they completely trustworthy? LOL
If you read the rest of the article it says that the cloako(or column) is invisible to the person in it too. Therefor they could not see outside the cloak. So it would not be that useful unless you know EXACTLY where you are gong with no extra objects/people/animals in the way.
Hi Keith,
I was doing a search on Cal Bird, and found your article. Great to know you’re still around, sure hope all is well with you. Dave Batiloro (Petaluma)
Howdy Dave,
Glad to hear you’re still among the living. Sent you an email a minute ago. Not much on the Internet about Cal, which is a pity.
I think it’s only useful in this iteration for stationary spying, like a voyeur. A blind voyeur. X(
Why don’t they spend there time trying to cure cancer?
Two problems: if the metamaterials have the slightest flaw, light would scatter off the cloak, making it visible.
The second: “cloak” is invisible from the inside also. Unless they eventually come up with a one way metamaterial….
It seems that the military would find this a most attractive persuit.
As to the invisibility issue…
The enemy would be “looking” for a large object.
If they could develope the incoporation of an invisible extention or built-in single-fiber optics lens camera that might work out. Although the lens would be visible it would be miniscule.
Who pays attention to flying or crawling insects?
That would be one kick-ass game of Hide-and-Seek!! All kidding aside, I see no real practical use for this thing other than hiding inanimate objects, you know, like your car at night so no one breaks into it, or a military installation…
I think we need to give this a little time yet, remember this is only “Generation 1.0” As a diet product alone its worth billions. You dont have to lose weight, just make the unsightly bulges invisible…
Think of the poor geeky kids denied a chance to win at Hide & Seek by their better-equipped friends. Scheez, my abandonment issues are flaring up all over again…
@Dorothy–
However, because light from any side of the metamaterial object is deflected around it, the inside is pure black. No light enters it. Ergo, someone would have to have a camera recording a light wave that can pass through the “cloak” and changing it into visible light. These are expensive and would not be accessible for criminals. Terrorists–maybe. But wouldn’t a cylindrical hole in crowded NY subways or sidewalks be just a little obvious? Especially when it is solid? Not very good camouflage, if you ask me.