The Physics of Invisibility: A Story of Light and Deception

by Martin Beech

The ability is see is fundamental to our very existence. How true our perceptions really are depends upon many factors, and not least is our understanding of what light is and how it interacts with matter. It was said that the camera, the icon of light recording instruments, never lies, and in the day of the glass plate and celluloid roll-film this might well have been true. But in this modern era, with electronic cameras and computer software, it is often safe to assume that the camera always lies. The advertising images that bombard our every waking moment are manipulated in shape, profile, color, and form. In this new era, light can be manipulated with metamaterials to make one object look like another or even cause that objects to vanish, literally before our eyes; not only can the image we see be manipulated, but so can the light itself.

Genres: Science, Physics, Nonfiction

223 pages, Unknown Binding

First published September 1, 2011

Reviews

[Jehona · Rating 3 out of 5]

The topic is interesting. It lies where science meets science fiction. It is easy to understand also... But, probably the main problem with this book is the author's writing style. He repeats himself and can become boring at times. Also, there is no flow in the story. It kind of sounds more like bits and pieces put forcibly together. The information was there, it just didn't keep the curiosity up. One could put down the book after each section and not feel the need to go back to reading. A pity for such an interesting subject.