New 3D thermal invisibility cloak makes objects disappear from infrared cameras

sebstefan 2 hours ago | parent | next [-]

> Although the current cloak represents a major advance, the researchers want to develop more sophisticated versions capable of performing additional functions. One particularly important goal is to conceal objects that produce heat themselves

I read the entire thing thinking it could cloak a soldier

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tejtm 5 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

paper article is based on

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-73167-0

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AuthAuth 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

This is gonna be going straight to Ukraine

	▲	MrDrMcCoy 3 hours ago \| parent [-]
		I certainly hope so!

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whatsakandr 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

This headline is wrong. This has nothing to do with thermal cameras. It's "cloaking" by making it appear to have the same bulk thermal properties as it's surroundings.

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schiffern 3 hours ago | parent [-]

Yes. Unfortunately many people are reading this thinking it's a FLIR invisibility cloak.

FYI Ukraine already has FLIR invisibility cloaks (fancy camo space blankets): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfdF3iIwoX4

This is thermal cloak, explained here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM2RJi4mRZ0&t=52s

Notably it only works after the heat flow settles back down to equilibrium. If you're moving, it doesn't work.

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natpalmer1776 2 hours ago | parent [-]

Which seems like it would be good for fixed installations that need to remain undetected, no?

	▲	schiffern an hour ago \| parent [-]
		The other caveat is that it only works if you're embedded inside a solid object. ;) If you're in free space, the surface can't shine its IR differently in different directions, so under FLIR it will just look like the average ambient temperature. This is no better than existing (cheap and light) space blanket camo systems.

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dalmo3 2 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

I've always wanted to hide apples inside pears.

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tescreal 3 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Next cyberpunk wizpop toy: thermoptic cameoflage.

The future is turning out to be fascinating as concerning.

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jagged-chisel 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Does this work for things that emit heat?

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SeanAnderson 4 hours ago | parent | next [-]