Invisible gateways like the one to platform 9 and 3/4 in Harry Potter and to Lewis Carroll's hidden world in Through the Looking Glass are a step closer to reality after scientists developed a new theory.
Using a technique known as transformation optics, the researchers have revealed a way to alter the pathway of light waves that could eventually allow them to create portals that are invisible to the human eye.
Pushing the laws of refraction and reflection to the limit, the team from Hong Kong University and Fudan University in Shanghai, describe the concept of a “a gateway that can block electromagnetic waves but that allows the passage of other entities”.
The gateway uses transformation optics and a "superscatterer" made from photonic crystals to create an 'optical illusion', forcing light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation into complicated directions to hide the portal.
Previous attempts at an electromagnetic gateway were hindered by their narrow bandwidth, only capturing a small range of visible light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation.
The breakthrough, described in the New Journal of Physics, also has the added advantage of being able to be switched on and off remotely.
Dr Huanyang Chen, from the Physics Department at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, said that " people standing outside the gateway would see something like a mirror".
However, despite being theoretically possible many practical issues have to be overcome, the team admitted.
via Invisible doorways or portals a step closer to reality, claim scientists - Telegraph.
I have one of these under my rug in my living room. It hides the portal to the Great Underground Empire. ;-)
No comments:
Post a Comment