# Ultra-Thin Invisibility Cloaks Scientists Created an Invisibility Cloak Right Out of Harry Potter By Andrew Sztein | Published 2013-03-26 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisibility-cloaks References: [mashable](http://mashable.com/2013/03/26/invisibility-cloak) & [phys.org](http://phys.org/news/2013-03-metascreen-ultra-thin-invisibility-cloak.html) The lines between magic and science are starting to get blurry, especially with the news that a group of scientists have created true life invisibility cloaks. Don't get all excited and figure that you'll be going on [Harry Potter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uno-harry-potter)-like adventures to stop Voldemort through the halls of Hogwarts just yet, but these invisibility cloaks do exist, and they work. Invisibility cloaks have been in the works for a while, but most models are very bulky and make the users more translucent than fully transparent. However, Researchers at the [University of Texas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squid-skin) in Austin have found a way to make the 'metascreen' materials incredibly thin. Without getting too tech-y, these invisibility cloaks can absorb microwaves to shield whatever is under the cloth from certain wavelengths. To make an optical invisibility cloak, it would a somewhat straight forward process of adjusting the cloth to absorb wavelengths in the visible spectrum instead of the microwave spectra it's currently calibrated for now. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Ultra-thin Invisibility Cloaks:** Developing ultra-thin invisibility cloaks using advanced metascreen materials. - **Blurring Magic and Science:** Exploring the intersection of magic and science through the creation of real-life invisibility cloaks. - **Optical Invisibility:** Developing optical invisibility cloaks by adjusting the cloth to absorb wavelengths in the visible spectrum. ### Where This Applies - **Textiles:** Opportunity for textile manufacturers to create and commercialize ultra-thin invisibility cloak materials. - **Consumer Electronics:** Potential to integrate invisibility cloak technology into consumer electronic devices. - **Defense:** Invisibility cloak technology can be utilized in defense applications for enhanced camouflage and stealth capabilities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Optical Illusion Invisibility Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisibility-shield.md) - [X-Ray Vision Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xar.md) - [Thermoregulating Car Cloaks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/car-cloak.md) - [Whimsical Magic-Themed Parks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ministry-of-magic.md) - [Wizard-Themed Gen Z Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shein-x-harry-potter-collection1.md) - [Transparent EMI Shielding Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crystal-clear-microwave.md) - [Magic Trick Popcorn Buckets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cinemark-popcorn-bucket.md) - [Hyper-Realistic Holograms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solidlight.md) - [Subtly Magical Smartphone Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harry-potter-x-casetify-collection.md)