journal article·2025-07Open access

Integrated Multispectral Modulator with Efficient Radiative Cooling for Innovative Thermal Camouflage

Yilin Ding, Zheyue Mei, Xueke Wu, Wenjing Zhang, Yaqi Zhang, Aike Xi, Di Gao, Fan Lan, Jiaqi Xu, Xungang Diao, Rufan Zhang

Advanced Functional Materials· Volume 35· Issue 30

Abstract

Abstract Thermal camouflage technology offers critical countermeasures against infrared detection, yet persistent challenges remain in environmental adaptability, multispectral compatibility, and concurrent thermal management. To address these limitations, a spectrally selective modulator is pioneered that synergistically integrates radiative cooling with electrochromic tunability. The proposed modulator achieves spectrally selective emissivity modulation, demonstrating a remarkable emissivity change (Δɛmax = 0.76) within infrared detection bands (3–5 µm and 8–14 µm) while preserving high emissivity (ɛmax = 0.79) in non‐detection bands for passive heat dissipation. Multispectral operability is further evidenced by dynamic diffuse reflectivity control (Rlowest = 0.07/0.05 across visible and near‐infrared band) and terahertz absorptivity modulation (ΔAmax = 0.66), enabling full‐spectrum adaptive concealment. The device achieves ≈10 °C apparent temperature modulation without external heating, effectively disguising a 70 °C target as 40 °C. Radiative cooling efficacy is validated through theoretical modeling (peak cooling power: 367 W m−2) and experimental verification (≈6 °C reduction vs conventional wide‐spectrum stealth surfaces at 60 °C). With rapid switching (<6 s), exceptional cyclability (>103 cycles), and programmable information encryption capabilities. This work resolves the long‐standing trade‐off between adaptive camouflage and thermal regulation through wavelength‐selective emissivity engineering, establishing a versatile foundation for next‐generation intelligent camouflage systems across defense, aerospace, and energy‐efficient thermal regulation applications.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Thermal Radiation and Cooling Technologies · Urban Heat Island Mitigation · Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Reaction Engineering and Technology Department of Chemical Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China

School of Energy and Power Engineering Beihang University Beijing 100191 China

Funding

National Key Research and Development Program of China · National Natural Science Foundation of China · China Postdoctoral Science Foundation

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