Harry Potter and his invisibility cloak can go get dressed again. A team of researchers has developed an invention that could make things invisible.
In animals, it is often accepted that the color of feathers, fur, scales, etc., is not random and necessarily has a use for the animal in question. The color of animals can be of interest for reproduction, hunting or survival. Some species are real experts in terms of camouflage. The chameleon is for example well known for its ability to change color, to blend into the background and thus appear completely invisible. Some species of octopus also have this characteristic.
It is based on this peculiarity that a group of scientists have developed a new invisible material. As reported by South China Morning Postthis group of researchers from two Chinese universities, who created this new material called “Chimera”, were inspired by three animal species: the chameleon, the glass frog and the bearded dragon. The name chosen by the researchers comes from the mythical creature that combines goat, lion and snake.
In their study published in the American journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciencesthe scientists explain that the “Chimera” has “environmentally adjustable microwave reflection” similar to that of the chameleon, the “thermal acclimation” ability of the bearded dragon and the optical transparency of a glass frog. As the journal explains Business AMthe “Chimera” metasurface was developed through a complex, five-step process.
The materials used to arrive at this new invention already had special properties in terms of reflection of light and heat. Thus, the “Chimera” allows to control light and heat in an intelligent way. And the result is amazing if we believe the study: it would have the specificity of being almost undetectable by radars and cameras. The study of the Chinese researchers demonstrates that the new material obtained is almost invisible to thermal cameras, in addition to going unnoticed by the naked eye.
Such an invention could have several uses. First on the military level, applied to equipment and people, it would make it possible to become undetectable and be extremely effective. The “Chimera” could also allow for much more effective observation of nature than with current techniques. This material could make it possible to place observation devices without disturbing the animals or altering their behavior due to the presence of humans. Many other possibilities could emerge if this material proved its effectiveness.