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Invisibility Cloak Created In 3-D

Posted by kdawson on from the can-you-see-me-now dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Scientists have created the first device to render an object invisible in three dimensions. The 'cloak,' described in the journal Science (abstract; full text requires login), hid an object from detection using light of wavelengths close to those that are visible to humans. Previous devices have been able to hide objects from light travelling in only one direction; viewed from any other angle, the object would remain visible. This is a very early but significant step towards a true invisibility cloak." The "object" hidden in this work was a bump one micrometer high. The light used was just longer than the wavelengths our eyes detect. To get a visible-light cloak, the features of the cloaking metamaterial would need to be reduced in size from 300 nm to 10 nm.

14 of 113 comments (clear)

  1. Um... by BadAnalogyGuy · · Score: 4, Funny

    I don't mean to complain, but it would be nice to have a picture.

    Even if the object is invisible...

    1. Re:Um... by fahrbot-bot · · Score: 4, Funny

      ...it would be nice to have a picture...

      You realize that the object is only 1 micrometer, and the cloak only 300nm,
      but here you go (photo) --> [ ]

      --
      It must have been something you assimilated. . . .
    2. Re:Um... by camperdave · · Score: 4, Funny

      I can't see it.

      --
      When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
  2. Diplomatic Nightmare by EvanED · · Score: 5, Funny

    Oh man, wait 'till the Romulans hear about this.

    1. Re:Diplomatic Nightmare by nomorecwrd · · Score: 2, Funny


      Yeah... and I'm sure we will end up signing a stupid treaty that does not allow us to use the cloak device, but let them use it at will.
      it's time to put some clear boundaries between us and them... better yet a Neutral Zone.

      Just my two pesos-

    2. Re:Diplomatic Nightmare by leuk_he · · Score: 3, Funny

      Being invisible sounds ok, until you realize that with perfect invisibility you will be effective blind. That will end non military uses you had in mind.

    3. Re:Diplomatic Nightmare by GNUALMAFUERTE · · Score: 3, Funny

      Or you can use a FLIR camera (Thermal). Off course, it's not good to look at naked ladies, but good enough to move around.

      --
      WTF am I doing replying to an AC at 5 A.M on a Friday night?
  3. Oblig ... by krou · · Score: 5, Funny

    Nothing to see here, move along ...

    --
    'If Christ had tweeted the sermon on the mount, it might have lasted until nightfall.' - John Perry Barlow
  4. Who's sig is that again? by Monkeedude1212 · · Score: 3, Funny

    "Ha! Invisibility Cloak? I'll believe it when I see it!"

    For some reason Locke comes to mind...

  5. good by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    something that will be able to hide goatse.

  6. Re:What good could come from invisibility? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Sex in public places.

  7. Re:What good could come from invisibility? by shadowrat · · Score: 3, Funny

    are you really having sex in public if nobody can see you?

  8. I'm skeptical by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    I'll believe it when I see it.

  9. Re:What good could come from invisibility? by Grimbleton · · Score: 2, Funny

    Worse than just giving you cancer, it gives you invisible cancer.