Structural-color-enabled multispectral heterostructure for infrared and laser camouflage

Abstract

The multimodal detection system has gradually been perfected, essentially covering the entire optical spectrum, posing a significant threat to the survival of objects. To counter this escalating detection threat, the demand for multispectral-compatible camouflage (MCC) is increasingly urgent. However, there are inherent conflicts in the principles of camouflage for visible light, infrared (IR), and lasers, necessitating spectrally selective design to reconcile these conflicting requirements. Here, we propose a multilayer film structure with heterostructure coupling, utilizing resonant cavities, destructive interference, and double-metal defect layers to achieve MCC, integrating IR, laser, and visible light. These MCC films exhibit low emissivity in the dual IR bands (∼0.2 at 3–5 μm and ∼0.4 at 7.5–13 μm) for high-temperature thermal camouflage, low reflectance at 10.6 μm (∼0.3) for reducing laser signal, and demonstrate excellent insensitivity to angles and polarization. By varying the thickness of the resonant cavity, a wide color gamut in the visible light range is achieved, maintaining efficient IR and laser compatibility while integrating diverse structural colors. This work offers a promising and pattern-free method for MCC design, holding great potential in thermal management and camouflage.