Issue

Vol. 18 (2026)

Ultra-Broadband Microwave Absorption and Programmable Multispectral Camouflage Enabled by Neural-Network-Driven Impedance-Gradient Metadevices

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-026-02247-z
Chen Li
School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People’s Republic of China
Leilei Liang
Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People’s Republic of China
Baoshan Zhang
School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People’s Republic of China
Yi Yang
School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People’s Republic of China
Guangbin Ji
College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, People’s Republic of China

Corresponding Author: Guangbin Ji

gbji@nuaa.edu.cn

Nano-Micro Letters, Vol. 18 (2026), Article Number: 403

Abstract

Achieving omnidirectional multispectral compatible camouflage remains a significant challenge due to the pronounced disparities in electromagnetic wavelengths and constraints on the response mechanisms of natural materials. Herein, neural networks are employed to intelligently optimize the design of multiscale impedance-gradient (IG) metadevices tailored for multispectral compatibility. The macro-gradient unit is engineered with precise impedance matching and high rotational symmetry to provide exceptional microwave ultra-broadband absorption (2–18 GHz), with insensitivity angles reaching 60°. By integrating a polyimide foam substrate with an MXene-functionalized nanostructured photochromic top layer, the finalized device exhibits remarkable infrared thermal insulation (ΔT 65 °C) and low emissivity (0.38), alongside rapid visible color change (1 ~ 2 s) enabled by nanoscale photochromic switching. Furthermore, IG metadevices deliver programmability and multimodality, alongside impact resistance (~ 30,000 N) and environmental stability. This work provides novel paradigms for the intelligent design of multispectral compatible camouflage systems adaptable to complex scenarios.


Highlights:
1 An impedance-gradient metadevice for multispectral compatible camouflage was intelligently designed using the neural network.
2 The metadevice demonstrates excellent microwave ultra-broadband absorption (2–18 GHz), infrared thermal insulation (ΔT≈65 °C), low emissivity (0.38), and rapid visible color change (1–2 s).
3 The assembled device offers programmability and multimodality while also exhibiting impact resistance (~30,000 N) and environmental stability.

Keywords

Microwave absorption Impedance gradient Multiscale Programmable Radar–infrared–visible camouflage
Li, Chen, Leilei Liang, Baoshan Zhang, Yi Yang, and Guangbin Ji. 2026. “Ultra-Broadband Microwave Absorption and Programmable Multispectral Camouflage Enabled by Neural-Network-Driven Impedance-Gradient Metadevices”. Nano-Micro Letters 18 (June):403. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-026-02247-z.
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