A transparent broadband flexible metamaterial absorber for radar infrared-compatible stealth

Abstract The iterative upgrading of the means of warfare has promoted the development of detection technology, and military activities are increasingly demanding target stealth. In this paper, a multifunctional metamaterial absorber is recommended, which simultaneously realizes the integrated stealth functions of ultra-wideband radar wave absorption, low infrared emission, and optically transparent. The structure is composed of an infrared shield, a radar-absorbing layer, and a reflective layer. Simulation results indicate that the absorption bandwidth in the radar band (1.81–20.4 GHz) is more than 90%, and the infrared emissivity is as low as 0.271 in the IR band (3–14 μ m). Moreover, it has the features of flexibility, angle stability (0–45°), polarization insensitivity (0–90°), and so on. Furthermore, the electric field current distribution and equivalent circuit model of the structure are analyzed, and a 180 mm*180 mm sample is built and tested; the results show that the simulated and actual measurements are in agreement, and it is expected that such absorbers will be used in areas such as aircraft.