Aircraft manufacturer Boeing has been granted a patent that might make force fields you see in science fiction films a reality.
The technology in the patent, titled "Method and system for shock wave attenuation via electromagnetic arc," will create a force field that uses energy to block off potential damage, similar to the luminescent shields in "Star Wars" and "Star Trek," according to ABC News.
The system senses when shockwave-generating explosions take place near a target, such as a car or a building, and uses an arc generator that creates a small force field that protects the target. The generator does this by emitting laser pulses that ionize the air and form the plasma field.
"Explosive devices are being used increasingly in asymmetric warfare to cause damage and destruction to equipment and loss to life. The majority of the damage caused by explosive devices results from shrapnel and shock waves," the patent says.
The only problem with the technology will be that it won't keep you safe from direct hits from shells or shrapnel, CNET reported.
The patent says that force field, which is also made with electricity and microwaves, could "reduce the energy density of the shockwave by creating a second medium in the path of the advancing shockwave that reflects, refracts, absorbs and deflects at least a portion of the shockwave."
When exactly Boeing will begin using these force fields has yet to be determined.
