Spring is in bloom and the sun is shining. If you’re like me, you’ve got your sunglasses out and are ready for summer.
Did you know that researchers have developed a compound
called hexaarylbiimidazole (HABI) which almost instantaneously changes from
clear to dark blue when exposed to ultraviolet light? Well it’s true. Chemical
engineers at Aoyama Gakuin
If added to Plexiglas or other lens materials it allows sunglasses to instantaneously darken in sunlight and turn clear equally rapidly whenever the wearer moves indoors.
An alternative application for this technology is for a new generation of optical data-storage devices. The on/off ability of HABI could replace the magnetic on/off used in today’s storage devices. With its stability and quick transition, this material is thought of as being a significant step for use in data processing and storage.
Now you might be wondering how this applies to security. Well, the introduction of new technology lends to the possibility of new vulnerabilities for someone to exploit.
Until that happens, enjoy your summer.
Jeff Gibson
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