Hidden from view

This cladding conducts electromagnetic waves around a central location; any object can be placed there and it will not interfere with the microwaves," explained study co-author Dr. David Schurig of Duke University. "At this location, reflection from the object is reduced, as well as the shadow around it."

In principle, the same theoretical formula could be used to create a cloak that hides objects from visible light. However, this would require much more intricate and even smaller structures of the metamaterial that the researchers are developing. "The takeaway from this is that it's not obvious that you'll get the invisibility that everyone thinks about—like Harry's cloak or the stealth device in Star Trek," said Professor David Smith of Duke University.