Theoretically, the scope to create invisible devices has always existed. Recently with the emergence of a technology called transformation optics, the realization of invisibility devices has become a tad closer. According to the principles of transformation optics, it is possible to alter the geometry of space perceived by light waves propagating through a suitable optical material, and thus an intelligently designed optical material can bring to surface the reality of invisibility through the elimination of a singularity in material properties of currently existing optical devices. However this has not been achievable, up to now.

Recognizing the need for an innovative material that would improve optical characteristics and design novel ones in terms of light wave-direction alterations, Tomas Tyc from the Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, Masaryk University, the Czech Republic, has worked together with Ulf Leonhardt from the School of Physics and Astronomy, School of Physics and Astronomy, St. Andrew’s University to propose a system that possibly reflects light from all directions, subsequently working toward creating a meta-material that would possess this ability. The scientists have toyed with the idea of forcing light down to zero or infinity on the refractive index between two different mediums, which has been impossible to accomplish in the past.

However, Tyc and Leonhardt have taken advantage of the advancements of the latest in optical trends, namely transformation optics to transmute the infinity mark on the refractive index into a figure which is more practical. They have actually created opportunities for optical illusions through a range of materials that make use of transformation optics fundamentals. Significantly, not only is this invention useful to make things invisible, but it can also alternatively make substances completely visible when required.

This breakthrough technology will likely find use in the fields of wireless and radar technology first as the meta-materials in these fields are simpler to produce and manufacture for electromagnetic microwaves when compared to light waves. Another major application that would benefit from the realization of this technology would be the Eaton lens for electromagnetic waves that would then be able to return and reflect all incoming light waves back to its source. This would be useful in safety applications such as reflects apparels that would make a cyclist visible at nights to vehicle drivers among others. The researchers are targeting practical application for visible light-waves applications within a time-span of two years, and there is already a collaborative research work with Aaron Danner, a professor from the University of Singapore, to realize the idea of optical singularities transmutation with the utilization of photonic crystals. Upon realization of these applications, the scientists are confident of having then created meta-materials that would work efficiently in applications such as invisibility devices and cloaks.

Currently the main limitation faced by the researchers dwell around the challenge of creating a meta-material whose optical properties are as close as possible to the properties prescribed by the theoretical proposal, which means it should be able to interact with both the magnetic and electric fields. Conventional materials usually network with only the electric field, and thus would not be effective as a meta-material in this aspect. The proposed material must also be able to change and react smoothly without complications in space. Commercialization plans hinge upon the success of the researchers to overcome these limitations, and for this purpose, the researchers have given themselves approximately 2 years to do exactly that. Furthermore, the scientists are open to collaboration proposals from industrial organizations that could help them learn more about optical instruments and their applications as well as assist in commercializing this amazing technology.

The emergence of this technology by the researchers would showcase the use of the transformation optics technology to create materials that could fully reflect light waves (and also electromagnetic waves) that would subsequently mean a revolution in terms of applications in fields such as reflective equipment and also invisibility cloaks through optical illusion means. This would provide an efficient solution to the conventional problem of optical singularities that has been bugging optical scientists for decades, and once commercialized, holds great promise in the new sector of invisibility-enabling devices.

Details:

Tomas Tyc

Associate Professor

Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics

Masaryk University

Kotlarska 2

61137 Brno

Czech Republic

Phone: +420-54949-7789

Fax: +420-54121-1214

E-mail: tomtyc@physics.muni.cz

URL: www.st-andrews.ac.uk

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