Transparent radar-infrared stealth based on multilayer metamaterial structures

Abstract A flexible transparent composite metamaterial structure compatible with microwave absorption in the radar band and low emissivity in the infrared is proposed. The radar wave absorber and infrared shield layers, which can control microwave absorption and infrared emission respectively, are designed and fabricated on a transparent substrate using indium tin oxide material. It achieves 90% absorption over a wide frequency range of 2.12–15.87 GHz, wide incidence angle stability over a range of 50° and maintains absorption of more than 90% over a polarisation range of 70°. The emissivity of the metamaterial structure in the infrared band is approximately 0.25. The current distribution of the structure is analysed and the equivalent circuit model is developed to reveal the absorption mechanism. The test results are in general agreement with the simulation results, and the design has application value for multi-spectral stealth and transparent electromagnetic shielding.