An optically transparent broadband metamaterial absorber for radar-infrared bi-stealth

We experimentally demonstrate a perfect plasmonic absorber at lambda = 1.6 microm. Its polarization-independent absorbance is 99% at normal incidence and remains very high over a wide angular range of incidence around +/-80 degrees. We introduce a novel concept to utilize this perfect absorber as plasmonic sensor for refractive index sensing. This sensing strategy offers great potential to maintain the performance of localized surface plasmon sensors even in nonlaboratory environments due to its simple and robust measurement scheme.

The design and fabrication of a plasmonic black absorber with almost 100% absorbance spanning a broad range of frequencies from ultraviolet (UV) to the near infrared (NIR) is demonstrated. The perfect plasmonic absorber is achieved by a combination of a metal film with suitable metal/dielectric nanocomposites. Our fabrication technique is simple, versatile, cost-effective, and compatible with current industrial methods for solar absorber production. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

In nature, cephalopods employ unique dynamic camouflage mechanisms. Herein, we draw inspiration from self-assembled structures found in cephalopods to fabricate tunable biomimetic camouflage coatings. The reflectance of these coatings is dynamically modulated between the visible and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in situ. Our studies represent a crucial step towards reconfigurable and disposable infrared camouflage for stealth applications.