Most of us have heard about the mirage effect in hot settings. The optical phenomenon of light rays bending to form a reflected image (or optical illusion) that covers something up. In the desert, it is commonly seen as fake water on the ground from a distance - which is actually a displaced image of the sky above. This simply involves the temperature of the ground being significantly hotter than the temperate above the ground. Now imagine if the circumstances of this phenomenon could be emulated upon command.
Scientists at the University of Dallas, Texas have done just that! They started by constructing a panel of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). These are basically tightly rolled up sheets of carbon as thin a single molecule. These CNTs were equipped with electrical heat generators and fine controls for the heat's dissipation to surrounding areas. Finally with just the right heat settings per-configured, these scientists could instantly switch on a steep temperature manipulation that literally bends the light of objects surround the CNTs to form an illusive mirage in front of them.
A powerful illusion of invisibility is formed by fluidly mirroring nearby sources of light. The scientists also discovered that combining this device with water (or putting it under water) enhances the illusion even further. Although it doesn't produce absolute invisibility, this device still surpasses many previous attempts for cloaking devices with great potential for future applications. The two images featured in this article are merely artistic deceptions of this technology's future potential for camouflage clothing. See the video below for an actual demonstration.
Update - 10/5/2011 - I updated the links to more of Liu Bolin's Urban Camo Art. The new links are much cleaner with less advertisement and much more of his work. I highly recommend looking through the entire collection! http://www.boredpanda.com/liu-bolin-invisible-man-camouflage-art/
Update - 10/5/2011 - I updated the links to more of Liu Bolin's Urban Camo Art. The new links are much cleaner with less advertisement and much more of his work. I highly recommend looking through the entire collection! http://www.boredpanda.com/liu-bolin-invisible-man-camouflage-art/
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