Thermal Camouflage and Invisibility Device for Soldiers a Reality

Scientists in Singapore have created a thermal illusion device to control thermal camouflage and invisibility using thermotic materials.

Every natural object exhibits thermal signatures. However, if these signals are blocked or masked, then these objects become undetectable. The new device can block thermal signatures (leading to invisibility) and provide illusionary camouflage at the same time.

This cloaking technology is reportedly cost-effective, easily scalable, and it has also overcome limitations like narrow bandwidth and polarization-dependence. The technology is ready to roll out for military applications.

It’s a two-phase operation. The device enables thermal cloaking in the 1st phase, followed by thermal camouflage in the 2nd phase.

In diagram (a1) the inner layer of the cloak swings into action, eliminating the thermal signature generated by the “man” hence making the “man” disappear. This inner layer provides complete insulation and thus ensures that no thermal signals can be detected, effectively making the target object disappear.

In (c1), the 2nd (outer) layer goes into action, converting the thermal signature to that of two “women” (d1). It is able to do this by receiving and translating the thermal signature of the actual two “women” — hence transforming the original shrouded “man” into two “women”.

Explanation: The University of Singapore. By clicking on the link you can download illustrations and explanations directly from the research team at the university.

Cloaking technology has been sought by militaries around the world for decades. If the technology is constantly reliable, it will be a game changer for modern warfare. Although the weight of the cloaking material and its portability is not discussed in the research paper, it would be a natural extension of the technology to be able to ‘disappear’ equipment as well as personnel.

Should the properties of the material be controllable, if it can be turned on and off, then even large equipment such as planes could be cloaked effectively on demand. Further, if it can be adapted so that electrical signals are also rendered invisible, then life as we know it just changed beyond recognition.

Can you imagine a world where you only know about a warplane when the bomb drops?

When entire buildings can be shielded from public view?

The future is indeed a worrisome place.