Design, fabrication and characterization of a thin infrared-visible bi-stealth film based on one-dimensional photonic crystal

Based on the principle of photonic band gap and thin film equal inclination interference, a one-dimensional photonic crystal was designed. This material aims to achieve a specific spectrum within visible light range (present a color close to that of green plant) and infrared wavebands (mainly involves infrared atmospheric window). It was then fabricated with germanium and zinc selenide. The infrared spectral tests indicate the one-dimensional photonic crystal possesses a high average reflectance between 3-5μm (94.3%) and 8-14μm (85.5%) wavebands, thereby contributing to a low emissivity in those wavebands according to Kirchhoff’s law of thermodynamics. As a result, infrared energy would be controlled in this way and infrared stealth is expected to be realized. A chromaticity diagram shows that the chromaticity coordinates of this photonic crystal is close to that of real green plant, which is conducive to the blending of them. Combining the above two features, this PC is promising to realize infrared-visible bi-stealth under appropriate circumstances.