A new method has been proposed for designing hyperspectral stealth coatings using desert soil from Gansu, China, which could effectively camouflage targets against desert environments.
The study developed hyperspectral stealth coatings by analyzing the composition and spectral characteristics of desert soil, focusing on the visible to near-infrared (VIS-NIR) spectrum (400–2500 nm).
The research was conducted by X. Ma, B. Wei, X. Qing, and several other contributors affiliated with various institutions, supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
The goal was to create materials capable of evading hyperspectral detection, which is becoming increasingly important for military applications.
Using methods like X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to analyze soil composition, the coatings were created to match the spectral features of the soil for effective camouflage.
The spectral intensity of desert soil was mainly affected by the particle size and surface morphology, particularly iron oxides.
The effectiveness of the coating was confirmed through multispectral and thermal infrared images, demonstrating superior camouflage against the desert soil.