# Top Technologies That Cracked the Holy Grail of Invisibility By Justin Good | Published 2007-04-10 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/top-technologies-that-cracked-the-holy-grail-of-invisibility References: [gizmowatch](http://www.gizmowatch.com/entry/top-technologies-that-cracked-the-holy-grail-of-invisibility/) Last year, scientists figured out the "complex mathematical equations for making objects invisible by bending light around them." This year, engineers are now using those calculations to make the dream a reality by designing “a relatively simple device that ought to be able-one day soon-make objects as big as an airplane simply disappear." See pictures below: 1) Green Coat: "Back in 2003, a professor at the [University of Tokyo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squid-skin) created an optical camouflage system that makes anyone wearing a [special reflective material](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stone-islands-metal-mesh-jacket) seems to disappear." 2) Aston Martin: "Scientists discovered a new way to make objects invisible back in 2006. the idea was to employ metamaterials, a complex hybrid structure of [metal and insulator](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shielding-jacket) that makes light move around an object. But, it was not easy to make cloaking devices that work on more than one wavelength of light at a time.” 3) See-through Shirt with Poster In Background: This year, scientists at the University of Tokyo developed optical-camouflage technology and made the “invisibility cloak a reality." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Religious](https://www.trendhunter.com/religious) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Optical Camouflage:** The development of optical camouflage technology presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the fields of military, security, and entertainment. - **Metamaterials:** The advancement of metamaterials opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and fashion. - **Invisibility Cloak:** The creation of an actual invisibility cloak paves the way for disruptive innovation in industries like surveillance, architecture, and virtual reality. ### Where This Applies - **Military:** The military industry can explore the use of optical camouflage technology for stealth operations and improved camouflage techniques. - **Security:** The security industry can leverage optical camouflage technology to enhance surveillance and create advanced disguise techniques for undercover operations. - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry can incorporate optical camouflage technology in stage performances, movies, and virtual reality experiences to create captivating illusions and special effects. ## 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) - [Invisible Vehicle Antennas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transparent-antenna.md) - [Non-Fogging Nano-Thin Gold Layers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eth-zurich.md) - [Hyper-Realistic Holograms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solidlight.md) - [Transparent EMI Shielding Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crystal-clear-microwave.md) - [Car Color-Changing Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/car-color-changing-technology.md) - [Artful Suspended Fashion Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-figures.md)