3D thermal cloak redirects heat to hide objects from infrared cameras
A new three-dimensional thermal cloak is designed to hide complex objects from infrared cameras by redirecting heat around them rather than blocking it. The result is that the enclosed object produces little visible thermal contrast to an infrared sensor, allowing it to appear to disappear from thermal imaging.
The cloak has been constructed and tested, with its heat-guiding structure intended to work from virtually any viewing direction. In addition to concealing its contents, the device provides thermal protection by keeping them away from extreme heat or cold.
Researchers say the approach could support more efficient electronics cooling, thermal-protection systems, and stealth technologies. The underlying principle treats thermal visibility as an engineering problem: instead of merely insulating an object, the system controls where its heat goes.