Science fiction may soon see another of its concepts defect to the realm of science now that engineers at Perdue University have an invisibility device in the works. Still just a concept at this point, the plan would be to surround an object with a specially designed cone with metal needles sticking out of it. The needles would change the refractive properties of the cone in such a way that light would bend around it and make any stuff inside disappear.
One problem: the design can only bend one wavelength at a time. That's still useful, though, since it could possibly shield soldiers from night-vision goggles, which see in only one wavelength of light (infrared). It could also protect objects from "laser designators," used by soldiers to highlight targets for laser-guided weapons.
4 comments:
Once again, sci fi predicts science...in fact, it could be argued that some of the warnings provided by early sci fi stories involving nuclear technology, for eg, were what began to earn the field some grudging respect after the events of WW2.
I wonder just how much is original anymore? is Science making Science fictin or the other way round?
While I was researching a paper on Heinlein & science last year, I noted that there were quite a few scientists that had been inspired by his (and, no doubt others) SF writing. And it's hardly surprising, really. Imagination driving innovation?
finish the loop!
driving imagination...
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