Invisibility cloaks on the agenda at Exeter University

For invisibility cloaks think Klingons, Harry Potter… and electromaganetics

Exeter University is holding a free public lecture by Prof Sir John Pendry, which will feature a fascinating journey through the world of electromagnetic metamaterials, including his famous work on ‘invisibility cloaks’.

This lecture, entitled Invisible Cloaks and a Perfect Lens, is the first in a series of lectures entitled The Material World, inspired by the Exeter University’s research in functional materials.

Electromagnetics encompasses much of existing modern technology, from mobile phones to microwave ovens and medical scanners. But now a new class of materials, with properties not found in nature, has ushered in some extraordinary possibilities – such as invisibility cloaks that hide objects within them, and perfect lenses with ‘unlimited’ resolution. These new materials, named metamaterials, owe their remarkable properties more to their specifically designed micro-structure than to their constituent materials.

Event details: xFI Lecture Theatre, xFI Building on Thursday, March 11 at 6.15pm (also video-conferenced to Peter Lanyon Building, Cornwall Campus, Penryn). Places are free, but should be booked in advance. 01392 269101 / j.delmaestro@exeter.ac.uk