A team of researchers from Nanjing University has developed a type of skin-like metamaterial for dual-band camouflage, according to the university in east China.

Stealth technology is key for camouflage at night or in outer space. To achieve compatible stealth in both visible and infrared bands, the material needs to have a high visible light absorption rate to adapt to the dark environment, and a low infrared emissivity to suppress infrared thermal radiation. 

Using the bottom-up template-assisted self-assembly processes, the team developed a unique cross-scale three-dimensional multistage structure based on Au nanoparticles assembled hollow pillars (NPAHP).

The metamaterial is ideal for visible and infrared dual-band camouflage at night or in outer space, with an absorptivity as high as 0.947 in the visible band and an emissivity as low as 0.074/0.045 in the mid-wave/long-wave infrared band.

With a micrometer thickness and periodic through-holes, the metamaterial demonstrates superior skin-like attachability and permeability, allowing close attachment to a wide range of surfaces including the human body.

The team is led by Professor Zhu Jia of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the university, and the findings were published online in the journal Science Advances in June.

(Cover via CFP)