Genetic algorithm-enabled on-demand co-design of optically transparent metamaterial for multispectral stealth...

Area of Science:

• Metamaterials science
• Electromagnetics
• Optics

Background:

• Metamaterials offer unique electromagnetic properties.
• Controlling microwave reflectivity and infrared emissivity simultaneously is challenging.
• Multispectral stealth requires materials with tailored electromagnetic responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a co-design method for metamaterials with on-demand microwave reflectivity and infrared emissivity.
• To optimize metamaterial structures for broadband low microwave reflectivity and low infrared emissivity.
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of a genetic algorithm (GA) in metamaterial co-design.

Main Methods:

• Proposed a multilayered metamaterial with hexagonal patch and ring patterns.
• Developed an equivalent circuit model (ECM) for microwave reflectivity.
• Employed a GA-based optimization incorporating a low IR emissivity condition.
• Fabricated a prototype using patterned indium tin oxide films.

Main Results:

• Designed a metamaterial with broadband low microwave reflectivity (-10 dB from 3.1-32.2 GHz).
• Achieved low infrared emissivity (0.15 from 3-14 µm).
• Demonstrated visible light transparency.
• Validated results through calculations, simulations, and measurements.

Conclusions:

• The GA-enabled co-design method is effective for developing multispectral stealth metamaterials.
• The designed metamaterial exhibits excellent performance in microwave and infrared spectrums.
• This approach facilitates the creation of advanced metamaterials for diverse applications.