Active adaptation in infrared and visible vision through multispectral thermal Lens

Abstract

Organisms in nature perceive objects using light of various wavelengths. Inspired by this natural phenomenon, the availability of powerful multiband sensors has prompted the development of advanced energy control techniques. Inspired by transparent organisms, we introduce an innovative approach to signature control. Our method involves developing a surface that prioritizes transparency for concealment and achieves adaptive camouflage through active fusion with the background. Conventional signature control materials, designed to manipulate colors, surface emissivity, or temperature, are insufficient in concealing a target exposed to diverse backgrounds for multiband imagery detectors. Herein, we developed a surface inspired by transparent organisms that prioritizes transparency and the ability to mimic the background. We term this surface the transparent adaptive camouflage shield (TACS), which is designed as a flexible, scalable, and transferable single-layer surface capable of achieving compatible camouflage in both visible and infrared bands. Based on the micro-lens principle, the TACS provides the integration of the target with the background and offers a comprehensive solution for adaptive camouflage in diverse environments. Using the transparency and refraction characteristics of the TACS, we demonstrated the camouflage performance by quantitatively and qualitatively integrating the target radiation characteristics harmoniously with the background.