This eavesdropping device, often referred to simply as “The Thing,” is remarkably simple in its construction.
It consists of just an antenna, a small cylindrical object, a very thin diaphragm, and a decorative outer shell symbolizing friendship. Imagine giving it as a gift to the U.S. Embassy—what would happen?
How did the Soviets use it for eavesdropping?
Even though people came and went from the embassy, this device remained unnoticed on the wall for a full seven years. So, how did such a small eavesdropping device allow the Soviets to gather intelligence successfully?
Actually, it’s quite simple. Imagine a Soviet agent sitting in a van, aiming a radio transmitter at the floor of the U.S. Embassy. The eavesdropping device inside would be activated by the high-frequency radio waves.
The radio waves hitting the diaphragm produce sound, causing the space (and capacitance) between the diaphragm and the small cylindrical object to change. The voices in the room also cause the diaphragm to vibrate, which in turn alters the charge on the antenna. These sound waves, after being modulated, are converted into radio signals and reflected by the eavesdropping device.
The Soviets would receive the reflected radio waves, compare them with the transmitted waves, and thus obtain the information from inside the embassy.
Since the Golden Lip eavesdropper does not have a battery pack, there is no need to worry about running out of power. The device only activates in the presence of “high-frequency radio waves,” making it difficult for ordinary radio receivers to pick up.
Additionally, the sound-receiving channel (a small hole) of the eavesdropping device was hidden by the Soviets under the beak of the bald eagle, making it extremely hard to detect.
I can only say, genius! Absolutely genius!
But how was this near-miraculous Golden Lip Eavesdropping Device eventually discovered?
Let’s rewind to 1952. At that time, a British radio operator was monitoring Soviet military communications. With his sharp ear, he detected an unusual signal. After some adjustments, he heard American voices amidst the mixed Soviet voices. The BBC quickly informed the Americans about this, leading to the discovery of the Golden Lip Eavesdropping Device.
Application of “RFID” Radio Frequency Identification Technology
Later, this device was successfully replicated by various countries, and its principles found widespread application. For example, in the smart cards we use today, such as bus cards, campus cards, and second-generation ID cards.
Take the bus card, for instance. Inside it, there is just a coil and a chip. First, the card reader emits electromagnetic waves to power the bus card. Once activated, the bus card releases energy to power the chip. In this process, on one hand, the information stored in the chip changes;
On the other hand, the chip reflects the stored information back to the reader via electromagnetic waves, thus completing the information transmission.
