A new 3D material can guide heat around complex objects while shielding them from extreme temperatures and infrared detection. The device is the first physical 3D thermal cloak designed to conceal complex objects from nearly every direction. Omnidirectional cloaking overcomes past limits“A real thermal cloak should work no matter where the heat comes from,” Zhang said. In electronic systems, the cloak might redirect heat away from vulnerable components or prevent nearby heat sources from interfering with delicate devices. “We’ve shown that a true 3D omnidirectional thermal cloak is possible,” Zhang said.