Scientists create 'lying mirror' without electronics — it never shows a true reflection

Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed an unusual optical system called the 'lying mirror'. Unlike a normal mirror, it does not simply reflect incoming light but converts it into a completely different, pre-selected image. The technology is based on a structured diffractive surface with microscopic elements that alter the phase of reflected light. The geometry of these elements is calculated using deep learning methods: during design, an algorithm chooses the surface structure so that any input image yields a single specified output after reflection. Once fabricated, the mirror needs no computer, display, or power source — the transformation happens directly through light interference, similar to holography but without a powerful point light source. Prototypes operated at wavelengths of 480, 550, and 600 nm (blue, green, red), and transformation was achieved both separately for each color and for mixed colors. A broadband version was also developed. The mirror turned clothing images into a bag, various digits into an eight, and simple drawings into a panda face. The technology is still far from a practical 'magic mirror': experiments were conducted in strictly controlled lab conditions with coherent illumination and fixed incidence angles, while real sunlight and room light are largely incoherent and arrive at random angles. Future applications may require more complex multilayer volumetric structures. Potential uses include optical camouflage, safety systems, protective technologies, and entertainment.