Reconfigurable hyperspectral camouflage metasurface integrating infrared stealth and thermal management

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Authors: Junxiang Zeng, Xin Li, Xinye Liao, Xin He, Jia-gui Wu, Chongchong Ran, yutai chen, Xinpeng Jiang, Jie Nong, Qi Jiang, Huan Chen, Sha Huang
+4 more Zhaojian Zhang, Jianfa Zhang Zhang, Zhihong Zhu, Junbo Yang
Cited by: 3
References: 51

Abstract

Hyperspectral imaging has rendered conventional stealth techniques increasingly ineffective under multispectral surveillance. Here, we present a reconfigurable metasurface camouflage platform that achieves adaptive hyperspectral, infrared, and LiDAR stealth through a synergistic 1D–2D photonic architecture integrating a multilayer interference stack and a microporous metasurface based on the phase-change material Sb 2 S 3 . Leveraging the large refractive index contrast between the amorphous and crystalline phases, the device dynamically modulates visible-to-near-infrared reflectance to emulate green and brown vegetation spectra with high spectral similarity, while simultaneously exhibiting low mid-infrared emissivity ( ε 3 – 5 μm =0.2, ε 8 – 14 μm =0.33) for thermal infrared concealment and high emissivity in non-atmospheric bands ( ε 2.5 – 3 μm =0.76, ε 5 – 8 μm =0.52) for passive radiative cooling. The optimized structure, designed using a genetic-pattern synergistic algorithm, also achieves high absorptivity at 1550 nm, ensuring LiDAR suppression. Laser-induced phase transitions enable reversible, spatially programmable tuning of optical states without compromising structural integrity. Experimental measurements corroborate simulated performance, demonstrating high-fidelity vegetation spectral mimicry, robust infrared stealth, and effective thermal regulation. This work establishes a multifunctional and reconfigurable photonic platform that unifies hyperspectral camouflage, infrared invisibility, and environmental adaptability, offering a scalable route toward intelligent stealth systems for dynamic operational environments.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications Thermal Radiation and Cooling Technologies Advanced Wireless Communication Technologies

Publication details

Journal / source
Photonics Research
Publisher
Optica Publishing Group
Volume
14
Issue
4
Pages
1489–1489
Publication date
15 January 2026
Language
EN