U.S. researchers have created a cloaking device that takes advantage of the effect of mirages to make objects invisible. 

This technology from the University of Dallas uses of sheets of carbon nanotubes. When the nanotubes are electrically stimulated, the resulting temperature gradient causes light rays to bend away from whatever object is being concealed behind the device, making it appear invisible.

Visibility cloaking was demonstrated in a liquid.

The study has been published in the journal Nanotechnology,

The remarkable performance of nanotube sheets suggests possible applications as photo-deflectors and for switchable invisibility cloaks, and provides useful insights into their use as thermoacoustic projectors and sonar, the paper said.

Visibility cloaking is demonstrated in a liquid.

"Using these nanotube sheets, concealment can be realized over the entire optical range and rapidly turned on and off at will, using either electrical heating or a pulse of electromagnetic radiation,” Dr. Ali Aliev, lead-author of the study, was quoted as saying by Fox News.

"The research results provide useful insights into the optimization of nanotube sheets as thermoacoustic projectors for loud speaker and sonar applications, where sound is produced by heating using an alternating electrical current."