Highly absorptive nanophotonic structures on flexible substrates for infrared camouflage

In this article, we present a camouflage sheet consisting of nanophotonic structures that can manage thermal signature of objects. Photonic structures that can absorb a wide range of mid-infrared wavelengths were transferred onto flexible substrates to cover objects and absorb their infrared radiations. Transmission and reflection of surface can be reduced by silicon nanowires in the desired region of spectrum. Our images, captured by a forward looking infrared radiometer camera, show that the structures can be used for camouflage at night and low-visibility conditions. The infrared camouflage offers a viable solution to deceive thermal cameras and effectively conceal personnel and equipment.