WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Please replace the release with the following corrected version due to multiple revisions.
The corrected release reads:
WORLD’S FIRST INVISIBILITY CLOAK PATENT TO FRACTAL INVENTOR
Fractal Antenna Systems, Inc. today disclosed the world’s first invisibility cloak patent award. Patent 8,253,639 begins a new field and is a milestone in innovation.
Invisibility cloaks, long a prop in science fiction stories, render objects invisible by diverting waves in a ‘see thru’ effect. According to the patent, invisibility is achieved by using a myriad of fractals--shapes made from repeating and scaled geometric figures-- to surround the object and slip-stream electromagnetic waves around to the other side. There is no power involved and no electronic components.
In March 2009, the firm publicly demonstrated the first invisibility cloak and made a cell phone and other objects disappear at microwaves over a wide frequency range. In contrast, efforts by others produce narrow frequency coverage, shadowing, attenuation and poor fidelity, with only tiny objects-- such as a paper clip or smaller--being attempted.
Previously other groups had failed to demonstrate utility and/or enablement and their patent applications for an invisibility cloak have been rejected by the U.S. Patent Office.
Inventor Nathan Cohen is an astrophysicist and expert in optics who pioneered the field of fractal electronics. His scientific training includes physics, antennas, arrays, and gravitational lenses. He holds over three dozen patents, most notably in fractal antennas, fractal filters, and fractal metamaterials.
Cohen notes that the public may falsely believe successful invisibility cloaks had been realized and invented as far back as 2006, by others. “Not true,” said Cohen. “The patent office has rejected their claims for an invisibility cloak. And where is it? Make an iPhone disappear. Make a person disappear.”
A video showing one of Cohen’s invisibility cloaks is available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BrVxpPYMiA .
Added Cohen: “This is an example of the gung-ho approach we live every day at FRACTAL. We relish solving tough problems. The patent office’s decision resolved the issue of who invented the invisibility cloak, and that captures the American spirit of innovation.” Cohen stresses that the invisibility cloak is plasmonic and does not invoke transformational optics or a negative index of refraction.
Although these invisibility cloaks work with high fidelity at microwaves, the patent and technology extend to other wavelengths such as visible light and infrared. “Take invisibility cloaks out of Harry Potter’s domain. What do you really want to do with one at visual light? That’s the question we ask customers.” Cohen believes a viable infrared invisibility cloak is months away and a visual light one--cloaking far bigger than a paper clip--is two years away. “Give us the excuse to build it.”
Cohen also notes that a key milestone in invisibility has recently been achieved by the Fractal Antenna Systems’ team and this will be publicly divulged soon. A preview was shown at the Boxboro radio amateur convention on August 25. “Everyone has been waiting for this. It changes everything”, said Cohen who hints, “One of our cloaks is huge. Think big.”
Anticipating the patent issuance, Fractal Antenna Systems has geared up development and production for invisibility cloak applications. First uses will be to improve coverage in ‘blind spots’ for microwave telecommunications and to remove antenna shadows. In addition the firm is giving public demonstrations at colloquia and conferences. “It’s real. Come and see it. With the issued patent there’s nothing to hide, except maybe Harry,” said Cohen.
ABOUT FRACTAL ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
Fractal Antenna Systems, Inc. (http://www.fractenna.com ) supplies antennas and related products for the world's most demanding wireless, and electromagnetic applications. Backed by over three dozen U.S., and international patents, plus dozens of patents pending, Fractal Antenna Systems is the recognized pioneer in fractal technology, with extensive research and field experience over 18 years in business. The company is a privately held and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA.
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