Adaptive optoelectronic camouflage systems with designs inspired by cephalopod skins

Significance Artificial systems that replicate functional attributes of the skins of cephalopods could offer capabilities in visual appearance modulation with potential utility in consumer, industrial, and military applications. Here we demonstrate a complete set of materials, components, fabrication approaches, integration schemes, bioinspired designs, and coordinated operational modes for adaptive optoelectronic camouflage sheets. These devices are capable of producing black-and-white patterns that spontaneously match those of the surroundings, without user input or external measurement. Systematic experimental, computational, and analytical studies of the optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties reveal the fundamental aspects of operation and also provide quantitative design guidelines that are applicable to future embodiments.