Engineers at Roke Manor Research in Romesy, U.K. have developed a new type of wireless communication that uses electromagnetic waves to send high-definition video across a piece of fabric.
The fabric, made of a dielectric-coated conducting material, utilizes a type of electromagnetic wave known as a Zenneck surface wave to transfer information along the interface between the surface of the fabric and the air, rather than through open space. Traditionally, Zenneck surface waves have been used by radar systems to transmit information around the Earth’s curvature.
The development team theorizes that the material could be turned into garments capable of enabling personal devices to communicate from different pockets in the garment or locations on the body. The team hopes to have devices enabled with the technology available on the market within two years.
