Virtual Infrared Display on Flexible and Transparent Substrate

Abstract This study investigates a method of implementing virtual IR images, similar to the IR images of actual objects, on a transparent and flexible substrate. Virtual IR images/videos can be implemented by irradiating the near‐infrared‐to‐long‐wave IR (NIR‐to‐LWIR) conversion film that can emit LWIR after absorbing NIR and quickly converting it to heat energy. Furthermore, IR images/videos that have shapes and colors similar to actual objects can be formed by adjusting the intensity of the LWIR emitted from the NIR‐to‐LWIR conversion film. This IR image implementation technology is expected to be applicable to advanced camouflage technology—technology that can hide objects or cause them to be perceived as different objects—as well as the implementation of a virtual IR environment that can be used to verify the performance of IR cameras and IR search and tracking systems for artificial intelligence robots, autonomous vehicles, and combat equipment.