Science makes it possible to see behind corners, but how? General physics states that you cannot see behind a corner. This is because light travels in a straight line and light is required to view an Object. However, Ramesh Raskar, a winner of the 2016 Lemelson-MIT Prize has found a way literally (so to speak) around this problem. Professor Raskar’s camera can see around corners and tell you what’s there before you even get there.
How did he do it?
He uses a Concept he invented called femtophotography. The concept involves rapid impulses of light, almost a trillion time frames per second, to reflect off surfaces and walls creating the illusion of bending light. By “bending” the light, he can create 3D holograms or images of the object.
In essence, the light does not diverge, it only reflects, but due to the rapid movement of the impulse light, it appears bent.
History of the inventor
Ramesh Raskar is famed for various concepts and inventions. He is the co-founder of the Camera Culture research group at the MIT Media Lab. He also received the Lemelson-MIT award for his innovative genius in coming up with femtophotography.
“Raskar is a multi-faceted leader as an inventor, educator, change maker and exemplar connector,” said Stephanie Couch, executive director of the Lemelson-MIT Program. “In addition to creating his remarkable inventions, he is working to connect communities and inventors all over the world to create positive change.”
The Indian engineer is a mentor for over 100 students who have all gone on to create and venture into highly influential areas, making him more than just an inventor, but a role model as well.
Other aspects that have evolved from femtophotography
The concept has been used to see book pages without opening the pages. Achieving this feat is just as impressive as seeing objects behind corners. Proving perhaps superman’s x-ray vision and the Flash’s ability to faze through objects may not be so farfetched. He uses the same concept of fast moving light frames to faze through the opaque pages, revealing the words of the book.
Although slightly different, Ramesh has used sound in femtophotography. The concept works in a similar way to a bat’s echolocation. The sound vibrations create a 3D image of the object. This allows the tech to virtually “see” the object for vast distances, as long as the sound impacts the object.
Applications of femtophotography
Blind spots are one of the most common causes of car accidents. By applying femtophotography into the automobile system, drivers will know what is in a corner or even the oncoming traffic. This would tremendously decrease road accidents.
The concept would also be very helpful in locating fire victims in a building. The 3d projections would create the holograms of the fire victims and their location, allowing the rescuers to get to the victims quickly.
The medical field would also get an upgrade to x-rays. The technology would be able to be used in surgery making the procedure have a better success rate.
Ramesh Raskar’s vision
Suffice the fact that the engineer is quite the visionary, and it goes beyond femtophotography. He has created EyeNetra, a company that uses simple and inexpensive eye testing devices connected to Smartphone to diagnose eye problems.
The researcher has received backing from both governments and private institutions who hope that he can use light to change the world.
