O future arrives all the time: scientists from the Universities of Jilin and Tsinghua, in China, revolutionize camouflage technology with the presentation of an “invisibility cloak” inspired by nature.
Combining the physiological characteristics of four animals — chameleon, lizard, glass frog and bearded dragon — the hybrid material, known as Chimera, promises to become undetectable to visible light, microwaves and infrared rays.
Hybrid material inspired by animal characteristics for camouflage
According to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the revolutionary fabric has circuits embedded between layers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and quartz glass, which manipulate electromagnetic waves to ensure its invisibility.
Such technology has diverse applications, from non-invasive observation of wildlife to military use.
In the prototype presented, the researchers solved challenges such as color change, transparency and temperature regulation, inspired by the abilities of the chameleon, frog and lizard, respectively.
Furthermore, it was crucial to find a way to mask the heat generated by the circuits, which was solved by studying the characteristics of the bearded dragon, which controls its own body temperature.
According to Xu Zhaohua, lead author of the study, the research represents a significant advance towards new-generation reconfigurable electromagnetics.
He highlights that Chimera can adapt to different terrains, including deserts, water surfaces and grasslands, making it practically invisible to thermographic technologies.
The Chinese “cloak of invisibility” opens the door to a new era of camouflage and adaptive technology, using inspiration from nature itself to create innovative solutions.
With potential applications in a variety of fields, from military science to conservation of wild lifeChimera represents a significant milestone in the development of smart and adaptive materials.
The innovative Chimera promises to be a revolutionary tool, opening up possibilities for diverse uses in dynamic and complex scenarios.
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