In a breakthrough
that could benefit fields as diverse as networking, photography, astronomy, and peeping, science-types at Japan’s
Institute of Physical and Chemical Research have unveiled their prototype of a glass-like material that they claim to
be 100% transparent. Unlike normal glass, which reflects some of the incoming light, the new so-called metamaterial
–composed of a grid of gold or silver nanocoils embedded in a prism-shaped, glass-like material — uses its unique
structural properties to achieve a negative refractive index, or complete transparency. Although currently just a
one-off proof-of-concept (pictured, under an electron microscope), mass-produced versions of the new material could
improve fiber optic communications, contribute to better telescopes and cameras, or lead to the development of
completely new optical equipment.
Filed under: Digital Cameras, Misc. Gadgets, Networking
Japanese researchers invent completely transparent material originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 May 2006 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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