An invisible cloak was made by a Canadian Company called Hyperstealth Biotechnology corporation. Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corporation is a company that has many products related to camouflage technology with the main consumers being the military [3]. This product invisibility cloak is the one which they have worked for many years and finally made a proper prototype i.e. “Quantum Stealth”. It can work at any time whether if the light is absent or not and can hide anything such as a person, a vehicle, a ship, spacecraft or buildings including its shadow [1]. It can also cover up them from ultraviolet, infrared images (night vision), and thermal signatures [2] [3].
The process behind this is by using several lenticular lenses which have rigged surface in which each ridge is made up of convex lens which results in dead spots [2]. This is procedure is also used in 3D bookmarks, trading card games, children’s books, etc. but instead of using several lenses they use only a single one and are printed upon [2]. The characteristics of this product that it is thin, lightweight, economical, and does not require a power source. Though it has great utility it is a disadvantage if the subject or the object is standing close to it [2].
Much of the information regarding this was concealed, it was revealed only after the company had obtained the patent. Many videos were released that showed demonstrations on how it worked [5] [6]. Outside of military applications, Guy Cramer, President/CEO of the company also claims that he was able to use the material to triple the energy output of solar panels due to its large reflective surface area [2]. He also believes this would help the cars spot and react to dangerous conditions and objects even faster than they already can [4].
References
- Noe, R. October 30, 2019. Core77. Check out this demonstration of a working “Invisibility Cloak”. Retrieved November 15, 2019, from https://www.core77.com/posts/90860/Canadian-Company-Invents-Patents-Working-Invisibility-Cloak
- Hahn, J. November 7, 2019. Dezeen. Hyperstealth biotechnology quantum stealth invisibility cloak. Retrieved November 15, 2019, from https://www.dezeen.com/2019/11/07/hyperstealth-biotechnology-quantum-stealth-invisibility-cloak/
- Cramer, G. (Oct 19, 2012). Quantum Stealth. Retrieved November 15, 2019, from http://www.hyperstealth.com/
- Marlborough, C. October 23, 2019. Edinburgh News. Quantum Stealth: US Scientists reveal new ‘invisibility cloak’ technology patents. Retrieved November 15, 2019, from https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/quantum-stealth-us-scientists-reveal-new-invisibility-cloak-technology-patents-818770
- Perrie, S. October 22, 2019. Ladbilble. Military camouflage developer unveils Incredible Invisibility cloak. Retrieved November 15, 2019, from https://www.ladbible.com/technology/technology-company-brings-invisibility-cloak-one-step-closer-to-reality-20191021
- Houser, K. October 21, 2019. Futurism. Watch a real-life Invisibility cloak designed for military use. Retrieved November 15, 2019, from https://futurism.com/the-byte/watch-invisibility-cloak-military-use
- For the video: The Telegraph. October 17, 2019. ‘Invisibility cloak’ that could hide tanks and troops looks closer to reality. Retrieved November 15, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZMyWEWHCTM
So this cloak literally makes things look like they are in 144p, therefore camouflaging it. Hm, nice. I guess, you could say that you got jpeg’ed if you get one. ;P