Invisible under infrared detector

Infrared sensors help us to detect people in the dark because of their heat radiation. But if there is a kind of jacket that heats up, then humans can be completely invisible to infrared lenses.

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From the idea, French scientists are working to develop a heat-shrinkable jacket. This technology can be used in military, to help soldiers not be detected by infrared detectors. But the more spectacular application is the heat dissipation for the chips of computer chips.

The team under the leadership of Sebastien Guenneau of the University of Aix-Marseille invented a mathematical model, which showed that a set of concentric circles of different heat diffusers could create should be 'invisible cloak'. For example, metal diffuses heat very well while plastic does not. By interfering with such material, the heat dissipates from the central area, so the infrared detector in the dark will not be able to detect the difference in heat between the subject and the surrounding environment.

It is important that the team does not focus on metamaterials commonly used against light waves or sound waves, but towards the coordination of conventional materials available. Guenneau said the group's initial step was not to focus on making men's jackets suitable for use in the military. Instead, their mathematical models focus on micrometers - the size of most electronic components inside a computer chip. Heat dissipation is a major concern for the electronics industry. One has to spend millions of dollars to keep the internet servers from getting too hot.

From the mathematical model, researchers are taking the next step in selecting and coordinating the right materials to create the best product.