Guest editor: Professor Huigao Duan, Hunan University; Professor Ping Yang, Institute of Optics and Electronics, CAS; Professor Zhou Wu, Aerospace Information Research Institute, CAS

Cover story: Zuo J K, Pan M Y, Duan H G, et al. Review on new infrared stealth structural materials[J]. Opto-Electron Eng, 2023, 50(5): 220218

In military combat, stealth technology is widely used in weapons and equipment such as missiles and drones。Infrared detection is based on the principle of thermal imaging, infrared detection is relatively easy, has strong anti-interference ability, and operates all-weather in the mid-wave and long-wave atmospheric windows. As a result, the safety of various military targets and weapons is seriously threatened. Therefore, infrared stealth technology to reduce equipment infrared emission and weaken the enemy's infrared detection has received high attention in the military field of various countries.

Starting from detection technology, this article provides a comprehensive review of the research progress in infrared stealth materials, focusing on single-band infrared stealth, multi-band compatible infrared stealth, and dynamic infrared stealth. The article analyzes the application characteristics of infrared stealth materials from a structural perspective based on photonic crystals, F-P cavities, and meta-surface structures.The article concludes by providing an in-depth analysis of large-area flexible processing methods for micro-nanostructures. 

Looking ahead, the development of infrared stealth materials will continue to focus on new structures and materials that offer high strength, large area, flexibility, and intelligence, ultimately achieving high-performance stealth functionality.