July 25, 2004
Writing is on the wallpaper for noisy mobiles
A new technology enables entire rooms to be sealed off from mobile phone signals, ensuring that they will never disturb the peace again, reports The Guardian.
Another cell phone jammer? Not exactly. "It's discreet and blends into the background: in fact it's just humble wallpaper".
"British scientists have found a way to mass-produce frequency-selective "wallpaper" screens (FSS) on a large scale for the first time.
The screens are metal grids designed in an intricate pattern which filter out some radio signals and allow others through, depending on their wavelength. They can be fitted to walls and covered with real wallpaper.
The breakthrough was made by QinetiQ, which was part of the British Ministry of Defence before it was privatised and which believes the special wallpaper could benefit airports, hospitals, schools and any building requiring a "quiet zone".
A technology which has its origins in stealth aircraft and boats could even become an ingredient of home decorating. But, according to QinetiQ, it could also have a more serious role in the fight against terrorism.
"Phones can not only be disruptive but on occasions pose a real security threat as they could be used to set off a device," said Michael Burns, director of aviation markets at QinetiQ.
"The wallpaper allows certain wavelengths to pass through them while preventing others, so mobile phone or WiFi signals are effectively blocked out but two-way radio and other similar systems are totally unaffected."
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