Using light… two researchers develop new technology that can hide things

Scientists have found a way to make solid objects “invisible” in a strange way, by allowing light waves to pass through solid materials as if they didn’t exist at all.

The reason we see things is because of the bounce of light waves that collide with objects when a light source shines on them and the human eye sees them. Also read: No batteries needed. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Develops New Underwater Navigation System Digital Weaning Time – Expert Rules and Methods to Break Free from Technology’s Clutches The Most Important Lessons of 2020… Technological Frontiers and the End of Globalization 5 5G Myths You Should Stop Belonging To

Research from TU Wien and the University of Utrecht has found a specific set of light waves that can enter the body. While all light waves were believed to have the same properties, research from both universities has proven otherwise.

Professor Stefan Rutter of the Institute for Theoretical Physics at TU Win University said in a statement that “every light wave pattern changes and deflects in a very specific way when you send it through an unorganized medium. “.

Difficult implementation 

Prof. Rutter and Prof. Allard Musk from Utrecht University used a layer of opaque zinc oxide powder – nanoparticles arranged at random – and calculated exactly how the light was scattered by the powder and how it was scattered. would diffuse if the powder was not opaque.

The researchers found that a certain type of light wave, i.e. static scattered light modes, was recorded on the other side of the powder with a detector, which means it has penetrated the dark object, although slightly weaker than it was when it was originally sent. .

In addition, the researchers discovered that there is a theoretically unlimited number of light waves. This means that although difficult to calculate, it can be found. Publicity

This new development could be very beneficial for the development of imaging equipment in biomedical applications. “One of the aspects that we are very passionate about is the fact that the light fields that we have found in our work are not limited to the movement of light outside of objects only, but also include the movement of light within. inside these objects, ”Professor Rutter told The Independent .

Prof Rotter added that there was still some research to be done, as biological systems are filled with movement, such as blood flow through the body, making it difficult to calculate the patterns needed to pass light, because the measurements must be carried out more quickly. .

For now, the breakthrough could help scientists who want to examine microorganisms, such as cells. Professor Rutter believes it is only a matter of time before measurement tools become fast enough and cheaper to open up more complex applications.