FOIA Release Unveils DIA Report on Metamaterials in Cloaking Applications

In response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request submitted on March 23, 2022, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has released a redacted document titled “Technology Forecast: Metamaterials In Cloaking Applications,” originally published, but classified SECRET, in 2010. The request originally filed by The Black Vault in March 2022, received the final response via email on July 25, 2024, with the letter dated July 24, 2024.

The six-page document, though significantly redacted, provides intriguing insights into the potential applications of metamaterials for cloaking purposes. According to the DIA’s letter, the redactions were made under FOIA Exemptions 1, 3, and 6. Exemption 1 pertains to classified information under Executive Order 13526, Exemption 3 involves statutes that specifically exempt certain information, and Exemption 6 protects personal privacy.

The released document highlights several critical aspects of metamaterials and their applications in cloaking technology. Despite the extensive redactions, some significant points are discernible.

The document discusses the theoretical and experimental work on using metamaterials to achieve “invisibility cloaks.” It references a presentation by Professor C.T. Chan from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology at the META’10 conference in Cairo, Egypt. Chan’s work demonstrated the use of metamaterials to create optical illusions and achieve cloaking effects without completely surrounding the object.

One of the key techniques mentioned is Transformation Optics, which involves transforming the equations of wave propagation to design metamaterials capable of creating illusions. This method was used to make objects appear invisible or to alter their appearance, such as making an apple look like a banana.

The document notes that Professor Chao Li’s group at the Chinese Academy of Sciences successfully demonstrated a proof-of-concept of Chan’s theoretical work using a transmission-line simulator. This simulator operates at 51 MHz over a 10% bandwidth, showing practical progress in the field of metamaterials.

The document also outlines various international advancements in metamaterials, including efforts by researchers at Duke University, UC Berkeley, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, and the University of Utah. These efforts have focused on creating cloaking devices that work across different frequencies and wavelengths, highlighting the global interest and progress in this area of research.

While the redacted portions limit the full understanding of the content, the disclosed information provides a glimpse into the ongoing advancements and international collaborations in the field of cloaking technology.

The document released can be downloaded below.

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Document Archive

 FOIA Release Unveils DIA Report on Metamaterials in Cloaking Applications [8 Pages, 0.6MB]

 

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