Invisible sensor: Simultaneous sensing and camouflaging in multiphysical fields

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the first experimental use of natural materials to achieve simultaneous thermal and electric current camouflage, overcoming previous limitations of natural materials without complex modifications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach using undecorated natural materials for dual physical field camouflage, eliminating the need for complex metamaterials.

Findings

Successful experimental demonstration of thermal and electric camouflage

Natural materials can be used for multiphysical field manipulation

Overcomes limitations of previous metamaterial-based methods

Abstract

To manipulate various types of physical signals in one single device has long captivated the attention of scientists and engineers. This however is very challenging, if not impossible, even for emerging metamaterials. Up to date, many artificial materials have been proposed, theoretically and (or) experimentally, for manipulating various waves/signals on a one-function-one-device basis. In this work, for the very first time, we employ undecorated natural materials to experimentally demonstrate a simultaneous camouflage for thermal current and electric dc current on the same device. It demonstrates how ingenuity can overcome the limitations of natural material systems without the need for complex decoration to impart inhomogeneous and (or) anisotropic properties, which was previously considered impossible to accomplish except by using metamaterials.