Tech folks getting closer to developing “invisibility cloak”
Much like Jules Verne seemed to predict the coming of space flight and undersea travel and Arthur C. Clarke appeared to predict the arrival of space stations, Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling may have a hand in the invisibility cloak.
The idea isn’t new but the scientific development being done to actually create one is.
Researchers in Berkeley, California, are working on an engineered material that will deflect light around a given object, rendering it invisible to the eye.
The so-called metamaterials are designed to bend waves around them. They could potentially shield objects from radar, vision or any other waves.
Researchers are trying to manipulate the materials, made from a composite of metals and ceramic, Teflon or fiber, in order to bend light around objects in such a way that the y do not cast a shadow or show up in reflective surfaces.
On successful completion, all that will remain is the argument between Harry Potter and Star Trek fans as to who should get credit for the concept.
Brett Venter
