For example, determining whether a cloud in the distance is harmless or an aerosol of enemy chemical or biological warfare is very difficult to assess quickly. However, with the new metamaterials being developed, the ability exists to see things smaller than the wavelength of light – something which has yet to be achieved in the far field. Using metamaterials in the creation of a new lens may allow soldiers to be able to see pathogens and viruses that are impossible to detect with any visual device.