Science geeks may watch science fiction movies and criticise the movie because gadgets in the movie couldn’t possibly be made without leaps in technology. They still know, however, that scientists are inspired by what they see in movies and that these fictional gadgets may soon be made by someone.

Oxford University scientists have created transparent aluminium which had only been earlier seen in the movie, Star Trek IV. The new state of matter was created by a short pulse from a FLASH laser which pushed out the core electrons of every aluminium atom which left the metal almost completely transparent. The team of scientists believe that the study of this would lead to a better understanding of what occurs during the creation of ‘new stars’.

However, this power of invisibility was given to the metal for only just an instant, after which it return to its previous state. The FLASH laser which produced the effect did so through the emission of soft xray light. The team of scientists believe that this discovery could lead to further research in planetary science, astrophysics and nuclear fusion. The research was published in this week’s edition of Nature Physics.

Via: Physorg