[Q] camouflage?

[DozerRN]

I just read about the new BOSE headphones that use sound cancellation to reduce outside noise interference. Apparently the headphones sample the exterior noises and then emit waveforms that cancel the sounds.

 

Anyway, why can't the same technology be used on light waves to camouflage an item? Except maybe the item itself emits a cancellation wave form that is the opposite of its color.

 

Well that's the biggest idea rattling around in my brain right now. Thanks in advance for any input.

[Buffy]

Because sound is waves are *propagated* through a medium (the air) and canceling waves can compete in that medium and cause cancellation. The same effect can be produced in waves on water.

 

Light consists of photons which are packets of waves where the packets themselves are actually moving through the air, because they are so small--the wavelengths in those packets are so short--that the medium (the air) is undisturbed.

 

As a result there's no way to send out a "canceling" wave to make anything invisible.

 

This is a bit oversimplified, so if you're looking for more detail on the physics, please ask!

 

Welcome to Hypography!

 

Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore, So do our minutes hasten to their end, :hihi:

Buffy

[DozerRN]

Your simplified answer makes sense to me.

 

Thank You.