Illusion Coating Lets Camouflaged Sensor Remain Active

Dec-22-14 Researchers have developed an "illusion coating" that could make antennas and sensors invisible to remote inspections while still remaining functional.

Current invisibility cloak technology also isolates the object from its environment, which would render an antenna or sensor useless. As an alternative, the research team from Penn State University developed "illusion cloaks" that make the object appear to be something different than what it actually is. They created a composite material of glass fibers and Teflon and covered with copper strips that will scatter radio waves in a precise way. By adjusting the pattern of the copper strips, the team can cause a sensor or antenna to look like silicon or Teflon when scanned by radio waves.

The coatings could also be used to protect equipment from unintentional electromagnetic interference, which would be useful in multi-antenna arrays, or could help channel radio signals and improve telecommunications.

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