On 17th December 2012, Professor Martin McCall from Imperial College London, presented to students at Henrietta Barnett School.
Professor McCall is Professor of Theoretical Optics in the Physics Department at Imperial College London and Chair of Quantum Electronics and Photonics Group at the Institute of Physics. His research into negative index media led to the theoretical proof of space-time invisibility cloaks, hiding events rather than just objects.
Professor McCall was invited to speak to students from Henrietta Barnett School in London. He presented to around 130 students from years 11, 12 and 13 on the theme of ‘Sculpting Light’.
Through his talk, Professor McCall explained how we have recently discovered how to guide light around objects using the properties of materials that are not found in nature, called meta-materials. Professor McCall showed the audience some examples of how Nature sometimes provides unusual optical effects, such as the polarized reflectivity from a beetle, and double refraction through calcite. The talk concluded with an insight into the so-called ‘spacetime cloak’ or ‘history editor’ through which we can now hide whole events from view.
After his talk, Professor McCall answered questions and one student asked if it is possible to make an invisibility cloak? Professor McCall explained that it is possible – if you have enough money! He went on to explain that we have reduced the problem to one of technology, rather than scientific principle.