Digital camouflage encompassing optical hyperspectra and thermal infrared-terahertz-microwave tri-bands
Rongxuan Zhu, Huanzheng Zhu, Bing Qin, Wenzhe Yao, Meng Zhao, Neng Yu, Zixian Su, Lijuan Xie, Hongbin Ma, Jiangtao Huangfu, Pintu Ghosh, Min Qiu, Qiang Li
Abstract
Modern reconnaissance technologies, including hyperspectral and multispectral intensity imaging across optical, thermal infrared, terahertz, and microwave bands, can detect the shape, material composition, and temperature of targets. Consequently, developing a camouflage technique that seamlessly integrates both spatial and spectral dimensions across all key atmospheric windows to outsmart advanced surveillance has yet to be effectively developed and remains a significant challenge. In this study, we propose a digital camouflage strategy that covers the optical (0.4-2.5 μm) hyperspectra and thermal infrared-terahertz-microwave (thermal IR (MWIR and LWIR)/THz/MW) tri-bands, encompassing over 80% of atmospheric windows. In the optical band, the hyperspectral digital camouflage can simulate various vegetational spectra as primary colors, with deviation rate less than 0.2 (can be regarded as the same type of plant). In the tri-bands, it also produces multilevel intensity digital camouflage within each band. The average structural similarity among multiple digital camouflage patterns is approximately 0.52, which is favorable for multispectral pattern-background matching. This work introduces a new paradigm in ultra-broadband electromagnetic wave manipulation by combining hyper/multi-spectra and spatial distribution, offering deeper insights into imaging, image processing, and information encryption technologies.