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Mathematicians Design Invisible Tunnel

Posted by kdawson on from the worms-need-light-too dept.

New calculations show how to make an electromagnetic "wormhole" — a tube that is invisible from the sides but allows light to shine down the center. The practical applications are a ways off, as even the design of a spherical invisibility cloak has not advanced beyond working (in theory) for a single wavelength of visible light.

7 of 171 comments (clear)

  1. But what is it good for? by WrongSizeGlass · · Score: 5, Funny

    Not to be a party pooper, but is there really any application for this tunnel? You can't see it, you can't see out of it, and you need to build it so it can only go to places you can already go.

    In NJ we already have tunnels that seem to do nothing. We call them the Holland Tunnel & Lincoln Tunnel.

    1. Re:But what is it good for? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      In NJ we already have tunnels that seem to do nothing. We call them the Holland Tunnel & Lincoln Tunnel.

      Q : Why are New Yorkers so depressed?
      A : Because the light at the end of the tunnel is New Jersey!

    2. Re:But what is it good for? by totoanihilation · · Score: 5, Interesting

      The one application that struck me is the holographic implications. If you can get light to move to a precise spot in mid-air through an invisible tunnel, you can make objects appear anywhere. No smoke or mirrors required.

    3. Re:But what is it good for? by Strilanc · · Score: 5, Funny

      It's essentially an invisible wire. Just think of the possibilities! Invisible tripwire, an INVISIBLE clutter of wires behind your desk, and freaky rope bondage! ... maybe we should reconsider building this.

  2. spelling? by skeldoy · · Score: 5, Funny

    "advenced"? "are a ways of"? That futuristic language must be from the other side of the wormhole!

  3. This thread is useless without pictures by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    If anyone is interested, I found a photo:

  4. A math guy, a physics guy, and a biology guy by HungWeiLo · · Score: 5, Funny

    A biologist, a physicist, and a mathematician are sitting in an outdoor cafe. They watch two people go into a building across the street. Shortly thereafter, three people come out.

    "Hmm," says the biologist. "It looks like they reproduced."

    "Nah," says the physicist. "There was obviously error in our initial measurement."

    The mathematician looks up from his coffee. "Who cares? If another person goes in, it'll be empty."

    --
    There are a huge number of yeast infections in this county. Probably because we're downriver from the bread factory.