Continuous programmable mid-infrared thermal emitter and camouflage based on the phase-change material In₃SbTe₂

In₃SbTe₂ (IST), a new non-volatile phase-change material (PCM), promises highly tunable infrared optical properties and offers a distinct path to the significant modulation of its optical scattering fingerprint, suggesting tremendous applications. In this Letter, we demonstrate and optimize a four-layer emitter based on IST, achieving an ultra-wide average emissivity variation of more than 94% in the middle-infrared region (MIR, 3-5 µm). This remarkable emissivity difference can be further continuously modified by changing the structural composition in terms of the amorphous and crystalline states of the IST layers. Based on this continuous programmable emission, the MIR emission characteristics of marble, maple leaf, and blue polyvinyl chloride are successfully imitated together on a desert background, demonstrating the programmable and multi-level MIR optical camouflage capabilities of IST. This work provides a promising platform for continuously modulating emission characteristics and offers a reference for the subsequent application of programmable optical devices.