Lightweight infrared-radar compatible stealth metasurface with ultrawideband absorption and low emissivity

Recent research on metasurfaces has been substantially motivated by the pressing need to defeat multispectral detectors, as conventional single-band solutions are proving insufficient to deliver simultaneous infrared and radar camouflage. Nevertheless, the inherent conflict between stealth mechanisms operating at distinct wavelengths remains a major challenge for advanced multispectral compatible stealth designs. In this work, we propose a multilayer metasurface comprising an infrared suppression layer, four microwave absorbing layers, and a total reflective sheet for the purpose of achieving coordinated infrared and radar stealth. The dielectric layer consists of polymethacrylimide foam, which features lightweight properties with a density of only 35 kg/m3. To validate the design concept, a prototype sample with an overall area of 300 × 300 mm2 was fabricated and characterized. Experimental measurements confirm the outstanding multispectral stealth performance of the proposed structure, showing an infrared emissivity of 0.226 in the 3–14 μm band, as well as microwave absorption rates higher than 90% throughout the 2–35 GHz frequency range. This work introduces a structurally efficient design for infrared-radar compatible stealth, promising practical integration on military platforms for enhanced multispectral survivability.