Bionic metamaterial for multispectral-compatible camouflage of solar spectrum and infrared in the background of vegetation

Hyperspectral and thermal infrared detectors have rendered single-band camouflage ineffective against the vegetative background commonly used to conceal military equipment, thus threatening the concealment efficacy. Here, to address this challenge, we draw inspiration from natural leaves and develop a bionic metamaterial with a three-layer structure for multispectral-compatible camouflage. This metamaterial exhibits similar solar spectral reflection characteristics to natural leaves and low infrared emissivity, countering both hyperspectral and infrared detections in vegetation backgrounds. Experimental results demonstrate a 94.7% similarity in solar spectral reflectance between the bionic metamaterial and natural leaves. Furthermore, the metamaterial’s infrared emissivity is significantly lower (0.64 in 3–5 μm and 0.52 in 8–14 μm) compared to natural leaves (approximately 0.95 in both wavebands). Designed demonstrations verify the effectiveness of the compatible camouflage. This bionic approach opens up feasibilities for enhancing equipment survival on the battlefield and finds applications in multispectral-compatible camouflage, counter-surveillance, and security protection.