Revolutionizing Infrared Detection in Defense Applications: A Nanophotonic Approach Leveraging 2D Materials for Enhanced Mid-IR Absorption

In the domain of defense applications, infrared (IR) detection serves as a critical asset, underpinning technologies from advanced night vision and precision-guided military missile tracking to surveillance and reconnaissance systems. The quest for heightened accuracy and performance of these devices forms the crux of our research. This paper divulges a cutting-edge approach to the fabrication of the active layers in IR sensors and detectors, targeting the zenith of IR radiation absorption and detection efficacy. We introduce a nanophotonic multilayer absorber tailored for mid-infrared (mid-IR) wave absorption, capitalizing on the unique properties of 2D materials. Utilizing advanced inverse design algorithms inspired by evolutionary processes, we construct nanoscale structures composed of seven alternating layers. These layers are meticulously engineered to achieve perfect absorption in the critical 3–5 <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$\mu \mathrm{m}$</tex> spectral range, all within a sub-micrometer thickness profile with an accuracy of 0.2 <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$\mu \mathrm{m}$</tex>. This innovative design not only meets but exceeds the stringent size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints, pivotal for deployment in next-generation defense systems, thereby substantially enhancing detection accuracy and operational readiness.