Super Power Coming Soon: Invisibility?
August 13, 2008 – 10:27 pm
The impossible….could soon be possible. Scientists announced this week that they are moving closer to developing materials that could make people and objects invisible. At the same time, the US Army has announced that it has successfully made a vehicle completely disappear, and that the powers of invisibility, once thought to be mere science fiction, could be used in battle by the year 2012. The exact technology surrounding this ability is obviously being kept close to the vest, but it seems to involve some combination of cameras and projectors along with metamaterials.
Via MSNBC.com
People can see objects because they scatter the light that strikes them, reflecting some of it back to the eye. Cloaking uses materials, known as metamaterials, to deflect radar, light or other waves around an object, like water flowing around a smooth rock in a stream.
Metamaterials are mixtures of metal and circuit board materials such as ceramic, Teflon or fiber composite. They are designed to bend visible light in a way that ordinary materials don’t. Scientists are trying to use them to bend light around objects so they don’t create reflections or shadows.
The implications of this scientific breakthrough are enormous and potentially dangerous. Outside of typical mischevious deeds such as sneaking into the girl’s bathroom for a close up, there are military and law enforcement issues to be dealt with as well. What were to happen if this technology fell into or was mastered by terrorists? Their ability to wreak havoc on the globe would instantly increase ten fold. I don’t even have to explain the possible headaches invisible terrorists could cause in heavily populated American cities. One only has to delve into the shallowest reaches of their imagination to visualize multiple catastrophes. Even simple petty crimes like theft would be much more difficult to prevent. Many criminal acts take place under the cloak of secrecy, darkness and intrigue as it is…adding invisibility to the equation makes it that much easier for devious minds to act out on the most sinister of thoughts.
I can see where the power of invisibility can be a huge advantage militarily, but in what other aspect of our every day lives can this scientific breakthrough have any positive impact. I can’t think of one single instance where it would be morally just to desire or need to be invisible.
Who’s that peeking in my window….yeah….who’s that? Or more likely…is there anybody peeking in my window? Get ready to kiss what little privacy you have left…goodbye.
One Response to “Super Power Coming Soon: Invisibility?”
Seriously…one criminal gets their hands on this and we are all fucked.
By antone on Aug 13, 2008