My question was stimulated by reading about the preparations for the conclave, but I know innumerable places have concerns about bugging, not just the Sistine Chapel.
What would those anti-bugging devices be? Would they actually prevent bugging (radio jammers maybe) or would they just detect bugging (presumably by detecting suspicious radio signals)?
I’m sure that they’re going to be mainly rf jammers that cover the entire spectrum from ultra low frequency long wave AM up to probably at least 5-10ghz.
Personally, if I were to do the bugging, I would use very low intensity infrared light sources that would radiate diffusely and use a slow amplitude modulation scheme that would be mistaken for background temperature variations - unless you know the specific wavelength to look for.
With high enough compression, you might be able to get away just one such device, but if not, it might be possible to optically network 2 or 3 such devices on slightly different IR wavelengths.
I really have no idea if this would work or not, but it’s fun to think about and I wonder if they have this possibility covered.
edit: just realized that there are probably no windows, so nix that unless you have a spy somewhere who can read the signals.
If you can think of a method to detect electronics or RF, I’m sure someone has figured out how to put it into a detector.
“slow amplitude modulation” and high compression don’t compute. Either you will finish delivering the results in time for the next papal election after this one; or you AM the IR fast enough for it to be detected; plus your electronics have to be shielded enough to not be detectable; plus, you have to fit it all in a tiny or disguised atifact but with a microphone capable of picking up all the conversations within 20 feet or more…
The best bug so far, IIRC - was a resonating metal plate built into a reat seal of the USA presented to be hung in the US Embassy in Moscow. I believe the idea was it would resonate with the conversations in the room, and a microwave beam from outside went through the window and the wood carving, bounced off the vibrating plate and was read across the street. No electronics, no obvious moving parts.
the Sistine Chapel windows are way too high, but maybe a hanging mylar ceiling decoration would work…
I’m an idiot. I didn’t realize that the conclave happened in the Sistine Chapel. So I think it could work as long as no one happens to focus on that particular IR wavelength and it is sufficiently diffuse that it wouldn’t show up as a “hot spot” on any devices that are sensitive the IR band.
In terms of amplitude modulation, maybe I used the wrong terminology. What I had in mind was an encoding scheme that incorporated the rate of change in amplitude and not just the amplitude. Is that possible? If so I’m sure there’s probably a name for it but I have no idea what it might be.
Anti-bugging devices could range from jammers to RF shielding materials to physical measures.
To lay some groundwork there will be ongoing TSCM (Technical Surveillance Counter Measures) Sweeps looking for indications of RF signals covering the spectrum from about 2 KHz to at least 40 GHz. All signals will be saved and analyzed. If I was doing it, I’d have at least three analyzers tied together to compare the signals and get some idea from where they are originating (similar to the way a GPS would locate your cell phone).
FYI, the signal would probably be a digitized signal and possibly encrypted, as well if it is a RF signal. Many of those signals are disregarded by technicians as they cannot determine if there is intelligence available and pass them by.
What kind of signals would you be looking for? AM, FM, video, data, spread spectrum, IR, visible light, hard wire, carrier current, sub carrier, pulse position/amplitude (essentially, from DC to Daylight).
I don’t know if they will do it, but the best countermeasure would be a
I don’t know if this is what you are looking for, or not, but I hope you get a better feel for what is happening.
tim