Multispectral Hierarchical Metamaterials with Broadband Microwave Absorption, Gradient Infrared Emissivity, and High Visible Transparency

Abstract

The rapid progression of multispectral detectors poses a serious threat to weapon systems and personnel. The efficiency of stealth camouflage materials, however, has strong wavelength dependence, which limits their functionality to a specific spectral range. Here, a multispectral hierarchical metamaterial (MHM) with broadband microwave absorption, gradient infrared (IR) emissivity, and high visible transparency is proposed. The MHM design entails the integration of two distinct functional layers: the infrared camouflage layer (IRCL) and the radar absorbing layer (RAL). Specifically, leveraging the low‐pass and high‐impedance properties of capacitive frequency selective surfaces and adjustable filling ratio of low IR radiation materials, the IRCL achieves simultaneous high microwave transmission and gradient IR emissivity designs (emissivity gradients > 0.15 at 3–5 and 8–14 µm). The RAL achieves broadband microwave absorption across radar C, X, Ku, and Ka bands through a circuit‐analog absorber designed with lossy materials. Furthermore, prioritizing materials with high transparency enhances the average optical transmittance (>61.8%) of MHM in 380–760 nm. These distinctive features underscore the potential of the proposed MHM for advanced applications in camouflage and stealth technologies.