Scientists are in the process of developing an invisibility cloak, which could hide people and objects from view by bending light.
All kids have times when they’d love to be invisible. Who wouldn’t love to play a trick on a bratty little brother, find out what their friends are whispering behind their backs at school, or maybe even play superhero for a day?
Well, according to researchers at University of California, Berkeley, this childhood fantasy isn’t far from reality anymore. They’re in the process of developing an invisibility cloak, which could hide people and objects from view by bending light so that it doesn’t reflect onto them in an ordinary way. The technique uses substances called metamaterials, which have recently been developed in laboratories, to change the direction of light waves.
According to the team’s lead researcher, Xiang Zhang, “In the case of invisibility cloaks or shields, the material would need to curve light waves completely around the object like a river flowing around a rock.”
The invisiblity technology could be used for a wide range of purposes, including advanced military technology - but it seems that a wearable invisible cloak is still years away. Until then, you might just need to read some H.G. Wells and live the vicarious invisible life.