Optical transparent metamaterial structure for microwave-infrared-compatible camouflage based on indium tin oxide

A visible transparent metamaterial absorber was designed and fabricated with ultrabroadband microwave absorption and low infrared emissivity to meet the increasing demand for multispectral compatible camouflage. The absorber was fabricated with a low-infrared emissive layer at the top, a microwave-absorbing layer in the middle, and a reflective layer at the bottom, which were separated by polymethyl methacrylate plates. The absorber showed an average visible transmittance of 55%, infrared emissivity of & SIM;0.37, and effective microwave absorption bandwidth of 32.1 GHz with a total thickness of 3.0 mm. Furthermore, microwave absorption exhibited wide-angle stability and polarization insensitivity characteristics. The mechanism of microwave attenuation was further explored through effective electromagnetic parameters as well as surface current, electric field, magnetic field, and energy loss density distributions. The experimental results were consistent with those of the simulations and calculations, indicating the potential of the designed metamaterial absorber for future applications in multispectral compatible camouflage.

Automated summary

A visible transparent metamaterial absorber was designed and fabricated with ultrabroadband microwave absorption and low infrared emissivity for multispectral compatible camouflage. The absorber, consisting of a low-infrared emissive layer, a microwave-absorbing layer, and a reflective layer, demonstrated high visible transmittance, low infrared emissivity, and effective microwave absorption. The performance of the absorber remained stable even at wide angles and different polarizations, making it suitable for various applications in multispectral camouflage.