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Illusion Optics: The Optical Transformation of an Object into Another Object

Yun Lai, Jack Ng, HuanYang Chen, DeZhuan Han, JunJun Xiao, Zhao-Qing Zhang, and C. T. Chan
Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 253902 – Published 22 June 2009
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Abstract

We propose to use transformation optics to generate a general illusion such that an arbitrary object appears to be like some other object of our choice. This is achieved by using a remote device that can transform the scattered light outside a virtual boundary into that of the object chosen for the illusion, irrespective of the profile and direction of the incident light. This type of illusion device also enables people to see through walls. Our work extends the concept of cloaking as a special form of illusion to the wider realm of illusion optics.

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  • Received 21 April 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.253902

©2009 American Physical Society

Synopsis

Key Image

More illusory than invisible

Published 22 June 2009

Bent light can do more than render objects invisible—it can make them appear as something else.

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Authors & Affiliations

Yun Lai, Jack Ng, HuanYang Chen, DeZhuan Han, JunJun Xiao, Zhao-Qing Zhang*, and C. T. Chan

  • Department of Physics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

  • *phzzhang@ust.hk
  • phchan@ust.hk

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Issue

Vol. 102, Iss. 25 — 26 June 2009

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