NUS Engineering Team Designs Novel Multi-field Invisible Sensor

PR64915

SINGAPORE, June 29, 2016 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has

invented a novel camouflage technique that effectively hides thermal and

electronic sensors without compromising performance. Led by Assistant Professor

Qiu Cheng-Wei from the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at NUS

Faculty of Engineering, the team created the world's first multifunctional

camouflage shell that renders sensors invisible in both thermal and electric

environments.

Current technologies which make sensors 'invisible' usually also make them

ineffective, while others only work in specific physical fields (i.e. either

thermal or electrical). The NUS team has experimentally demonstrated that they

could hide sensors in both thermal and electric fields without them being

detected. The invisible sensors are also able to continue to probe on the

environment while 'under cover'.

Asst Prof Qiu explained, "We have designed a camouflage 'shell' that not only

mimics surrounding thermal fields but also electric fields, both at the same

time. The object under camouflage becomes truly invisible as its shape and

position cannot be detected in terms of both thermal and electric images."

In their experiment, they created an ideal invisible sensor by covering it with

a thin shell which is made of pure copper. The shell is designed to drastically

reduce the perturbation of heat flux and electric current simultaneously. The

thickness of the shell is fabricated based on detailed calculations to allow

precise manipulation of external multi-physical fields to insulate the sensor

and hence render it invisible and yet allows it to receive incoming signals

from outside.

"Our camouflaging shell will open up a new avenue for advanced sensing and

security systems. Sensors which are used to monitor current and heat flow in

strong voltage or high temperature environments are easily damaged. Our

camouflaging shell hence protect such sensors from the harsh environment and at

the same time enhance the accuracy of the hidden sensor, as the shell will

eliminate any distortion around the sensor. This attribute is significant in

our study of other applications such as using the camouflaging shell on special

mission fieldtrips. The team is also working on developing multifunctional

invisible sensors that have instantaneous stealth ability," added Dr Qiu.

Drawing a comparison with the chameleon, from which the team had drawn

inspiration to develop the novel camouflaging shell, Dr Qiu said, "The skin of

a chameleon is made up of several layers of specialised cells containing

various pigment while the outermost layer is transparent. The cells beneath the

skin change colour based on light intensity and temperature as well as the

chameleon's mood. Our team's invention can be seen as an improved "skin" for

the chameleon such that it will become invisible when it appears in front of

thermal and electric signal detectors!"

MEDIA CONTACT:

Karen LOH

National University of Singapore

DID: +65 6601-1485

Email: karenloh@nus.edu.sg

Logo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20151130/8521508170LOGO

SOURCE  National University of Singapore