A mobile chip that sees behind obstacles with the help of electromagnetic waves

Researchers have invented a small chip that can observe behind obstacles with the help of medium spectrum electromagnetic waves. According to Futurism, a group of researchers in Texas for more than 15 years were trying to invent smaller devices that are able to see beyond obstacles by means of medium-frequency electromagnetic waves. Now they seem closer than ever to that goal.

Kenneth O., a professor of electrical engineering from the University of Texas, announced in an interview that with the help of his colleagues, he has invented a new small imaging chip that is able to track the contours of objects beyond obstacles such as cardboard. This achievement is the result of repeated advances and achievements in microprocessor technology over the past years. He says: This technology is actually similar to what is used in airports for security inspection. The said chip is similar to the large screening devices used at airport gates, although these devices work with lower frequency waves than the new model. Devices in airports use electromagnetic frequencies between microwave and infrared waves, which the human eye cannot see and are not harmful to humans.

The chip is enabled using complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), an inexpensive technology used in computer processors and memory chips. CMOS technology is often used along with lenses to activate mobile cameras, and in this study researchers used it to track objects without seeing them. He says about this: The said technology is like Superman’s x-ray vision ability. Of course, we use 200-400 GHz signals instead of X-rays.

According to available information, the chip’s wave reading capabilities are intentionally limited to only track objects behind obstacles from a distance of a few centimeters, and in this way, concerns about thieves using it to view the contents of users’ bags or packages are eliminated.