Materials like those used in Roman glassware may hold the key to making people and objects invisible. Sian Harris discovers that their possible applications go far beyond superhero antics. AT 11 YEARS of age, Harry Potter inherited an invisibility cloak from his father. Many young people would envy the truancy and rule-breaking opportunities that this garment gave its owner. But, according to scientists, devices to turn objects and people invisible are not necessarily confined to the realm of fiction. Theoretical physicists have been battling with this challenge for some years and now believe that invisibility 'cloaks' are possible. What's more, their fabrication is relatively simple if we use so-called metamate-rials known for their interesting optical properties.
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