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The Theory and Practice of Meta-materials
Science geeks might want to check out this article from Ars Technica last week, talking about the theoretical "super-antenna". It's talking about a very hypothetical concept -- essentially, how to produce coherent light without a laser -- but the first half of the article is actually the most interesting bit.
Basically, it talks about the latest step in what I see as scientists coming to terms with the mathematical nature of the universe: instead of taking existing materials and figuring out how to use them, they've begun to address problems in terms of how you want to bend space, and then invent meta-materials that can accomplish that. Which approach sounds a bit improbable, but is starting to actually produce some results: for a very early field, meta-materials seem to be producing a lot of fascinatingly cool possibilities.
Neat stuff -- it's one of those "yes, we really *are* living in the 21st century" stories. I'll be interested to see how much success they have in turning these cool theories into practice...
Basically, it talks about the latest step in what I see as scientists coming to terms with the mathematical nature of the universe: instead of taking existing materials and figuring out how to use them, they've begun to address problems in terms of how you want to bend space, and then invent meta-materials that can accomplish that. Which approach sounds a bit improbable, but is starting to actually produce some results: for a very early field, meta-materials seem to be producing a lot of fascinatingly cool possibilities.
Neat stuff -- it's one of those "yes, we really *are* living in the 21st century" stories. I'll be interested to see how much success they have in turning these cool theories into practice...