Multi-band middle-infrared-compatible camouflage with thermal management via simple photonic structures

Abstract

Perpetual advancements in modern detection technologies have augmented the need of multi-band (such as laser radar, visual) middle-infrared (MIR) compatible camouflage; however, its development is impeded by incompatible structural requirements of different camouflage effects and thermal challenge. This study demonstrates two simple photonic structures (Designs I and II) for visual and MIR camouflage with thermal management utilizing thin-film interference. The additional laser camouflage is realized by further incorporating simple wavelength-scale grating structures in Design I (Design II). The fabricated structures exhibit dual-band MIR camouflage by low emission (ε‾3–5μm = 0.25 and ε‾8–14μm = 0.33), radar camouflage to CO2 laser by high absorption at 10.6 μm (α10.6 μm = 0.90), visual camouflage by structural colors and thermal management by high emission in 5–8 μm band (ε‾5–8μm = 0.77). This study provides a guideline on coordinated control of electromagnetic wave and heat through simple structural design, thus has broad implications in energy harvesting and thermal information processing.