Summary
In this fascinating podcast episode, renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and physicist Greg Gbur dive deep into the science of invisibility, exploring its potential applications and the challenges it presents in various fields. Throughout the discussion, they touch on a wide range of topics, including radar and stealth technologies, as well as the intricate relationship between light and matter.
The conversation begins by addressing invisibility across different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as microwave invisibility used in stealth technologies. Tyson and Gbur explain the challenges in achieving complete invisibility as it would require becoming undetectable across the entire spectrum. They mention the intriguing idea of a thermal cloak that could potentially hide heat signatures, but also acknowledge the difficulties of making something invisible on a large scale.
The concept of active versus passive invisibility is explored, with the speakers highlighting that invisibility achieved for one wavelength may not be possible for another. They discuss the idea of using cameras and projectors to create invisibility by surrounding an object and recording the light field hitting its surface, and mention the challenges in accurately capturing and recreating true light fields from all angles.
The potential of modern high-resolution pixel LEDs, as opposed to projection systems, for creating the invisible side is also discussed. The episode delves into the interaction between light and matter, using the example of X-rays passing through the body, while visible light reflects off of the skin. This ties into the complexities of making an object invisible and how our understanding of light and matter plays a crucial role in future developments.
The thought-provoking concept of "time cloaks" is introduced, which involves manipulating light to hide events within a specific time frame. As they delve deeper into the science of invisibility, Tyson and Gbur even consider the possibility of making objects appear black and white by manipulating specific frequencies of light and their interaction with matter.
Overall, this episode of "Invisibility: The Science of How Not To Be Seen with Neil deGrasse Tyson & Greg Gbur" provides a captivating exploration of the cutting-edge research and applications in the field of invisibility. For those interested in physics, technology, or simply curious about the world around them, this podcast is sure to pique your interest in the thrilling science behind the unseen.
