Scientists create artificial mini ‘black hole’
June 4, 2010 | Source: PhysOrg.com
Scientists from China have built a device using metamaterial structures that can trap and absorb microwaves coming from all directions with a 99% absorption rate — a property that makes the device simulate, to some extent, an astrophysical black hole.
A model of the electromagnetic omnidirectional absorber, in which electromagnetic waves hitting the cylinder bend spirally in the shell region, and become trapped and absorbed by the lossy core. (Right) A photograph of the device, which is composed of 60 concentric layers of copper-coated metamaterials. (Institute of Physics)
The device could have applications such as collecting microwaves and energies in free space, or as a source of thermal emission, since the device converts electromagnetic energy into heat energy. The researchers also plan to develop a device that works with visible light.
