Integrated Multispectral Modulator with Efficient Radiative Cooling for Innovative Thermal Camouflage

Abstract

Thermal camouflage technology offers critical countermeasures against infrared detection, yet persistent challenges remain in environmental adaptability, multispectral compatibility, and concurrent thermal management. To address these limitations, a spectrally selective modulator is pioneered that synergistically integrates radiative cooling with electrochromic tunability. The proposed modulator achieves spectrally selective emissivity modulation, demonstrating a remarkable emissivity change (Δɛ_max = 0.76) within infrared detection bands (3–5 µm and 8–14 µm) while preserving high emissivity (ɛ_max = 0.79) in non-detection bands for passive heat dissipation. Multispectral operability is further evidenced by dynamic diffuse reflectivity control (R_lowest = 0.07/0.05 across visible and near-infrared band) and terahertz absorptivity modulation (ΔA_max = 0.66), enabling full-spectrum adaptive concealment. The device achieves ≈10 °C apparent temperature modulation without external heating, effectively disguising a 70 °C target as 40 °C. Radiative cooling efficacy is validated through theoretical modeling (peak cooling power: 367 W m⁻²) and experimental verification (≈6 °C reduction vs conventional wide-spectrum stealth surfaces at 60 °C). With rapid switching (<6 s), exceptional cyclability (>10³ cycles), and programmable information encryption capabilities. This work resolves the long-standing trade-off between adaptive camouflage and thermal regulation through wavelength-selective emissivity engineering, establishing a versatile foundation for next-generation intelligent camouflage systems across defense, aerospace, and energy-efficient thermal regulation applications.