Researchers develop amphibian-inspired camouflage skin
Inspired by amphibians such as the wood frog, investigators designed and synthesized a new type of camouflage skin involving one-dimensional photonic crystal structures assembled in three-dimensional flexible gels.
As described in , the camouflage skin can quickly recognize and match the background by modulating the optical signals of external stimuli.
It demonstrated excellent mechanical performance, self-adaptive camouflage capabilities in response to complex surroundings, and long-term stability in real-world living environments. Bright structural color and mechanical flexibility were maintained even at temperatures as low as -80℃.
The advance could have a range of applications in areas such as artificial intelligence, self-adaptive camouflage, soft robotics, and flexible wearable electronics.
"There is a strong driving force toward artificial camouflage skin innovation in terms of flexibility, integration, and miniaturization," said co-corresponding author Wen-Yong Lai, Ph.D., of Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications, in China.
"We expect active cooperation with professionals of diverse backgrounds to enable further progress in high-performance amphibian-inspired artificial camouflage research."
More information: Yanting Gong et al, Bio‐Inspired Camouflage Skin with Photonic Crystal Structure and Size‐Confinement Effect, Advanced Optical Materials (2024).
Provided by Wiley