Magnetic fields revealed in technicolour

For the first time, images of induced magnetic pulsations at the frequency of visible light have been captured by scientists at The

revealing a rainbow of colours.

The colours are produced when a new type of material, created by the research team, is exposed to light. The magnetic vibrations induced in the material are so strong that they change the colour of the material from yellow to green. Such vibrations are supposed to be impossible in a natural medium.

The artificial material, created in collaboration with Chernogolovka Institute of Microelectronics Technologies  in Russia and Aston University  in the UK, has 'unnatural' optical properties and could be the precursor of a 'perfect lens', focusing images to show features smaller than the wavelength of light itself. It is based on Professor John Pendry's (Imperial College London) idea of generating a magnetic response in nonmagnetic composites.

Dr. Alexander Grigorenko, of the University's School of Physics and Astronomy and Manchester Centre for Mesoscience and Nanotechnology, who led the research, said: "This discovery could be a milestone for optics and could help to realise the visible-light left-handed materials which promise the perfect lens. It also provides wherewithal for making new optical devices such as spasers and nanolasers."