The invisibility cloak: inspiration for scientific creativity

The invisibility cloak is regularly used in the science fiction and fantasy genres. And in spite of its popularity, Lawrence Krauss, director of ASU's Origins Project, details why it is virtually impossible to ever be truly invisible. However, it does appear that research could get us close to near invisibility.

"The lure of invisibility cloaks has continued to motivate creative scientists, and several remarkable advances have taken place in finding new ways to literally make objects invisible, at least to certain frequencies of radiation," writes Krauss in a Future Tense article on Slate titled, "Did You Hear About the Real Life Invisibility Cloak?"

Krauss continues by asking if genres such as science fiction and fantasy inspire researchers to push the boundaries, to explore and test new discoveries. Although the answer is unclear, Krauss points to the universe in general as a great source of inspiration to keep searching and researching for the next great discovery. 

Future Tense is a collaboration among ASU, the New America Foundation, and Slate magazine that explores how emerging technologies affect policy and society.