A new device using carbon nanotubes has been created by researchers at the University of Dallas which creates its own mirage to become invisible. A mirage effect is normally associated with hot climates where heat creates the optical mirage phenomenon by bending light rays on long roads in the heat of the sun, as pictured below.
Watch a video after the jump to see the carbon nanotubes create the artificial mirage to conceal themselves.
Understanding the Mirage Effect
The mirage effect from thermally modulated transparent carbon nanotube sheets is explained in a little more detail:
“The single-beam mirage effect, also known as photothermal deflection, is studied using a free-standing, highly aligned carbon nanotube aerogel sheet as the heat source. The extremely low thermal capacitance and high heat transfer ability of these transparent forest-drawn carbon nanotube sheets enables high frequency modulation of sheet temperature over an enormous temperature range, thereby providing a sharp, rapidly changing gradient of refractive index in the surrounding liquid or gas.”
In simpler terms, the carbon nanotube sheets can heat up and cool down very quickly, creating a temperature gradient that bends light around the object, making it appear invisible. This phenomenon is similar to how heat waves on a hot road can make it look like there is water on the surface, even though there isn’t.
Potential Applications and Future Development
The potential applications for this technology are vast and varied. For instance, it could be used in military camouflage, allowing soldiers or vehicles to become invisible to the naked eye. It could also have applications in architecture, creating buildings that blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Additionally, this technology could be used in the entertainment industry for special effects in movies and theme parks.
However, the new technology is still currently under development at the moment so don’t expect to see any invisibility cloaks appearing in stores any time soon. The researchers are still working on refining the technology and making it more practical for everyday use. One of the challenges they face is scaling up the production of carbon nanotube sheets to a size that would be useful for larger objects.
More information is available from the iopScience website. But the new technology is still currently under development at the moment so don’t expect to see any invisibility cloaks appearing in stores any time soon.
The research into carbon nanotube-based invisibility is a fascinating glimpse into the future of material science and optical physics. As the technology matures, it could revolutionize various fields, from defense to entertainment, and even everyday consumer products. The ability to manipulate light and create invisibility could lead to innovations we can only dream of today.
Source: : iopScience : Flickr Image Credit: Edgehill
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