The current focus in Swedish policy towards national security and high-end technical systems, together with a rapid development in multispectral sensor technology, adds to the utility of developing advanced materials for spectral design in signature management applications. A literature study was performed probing research databases for advancements. Qualitative text analysis was performed using a six-indicator instrument: spectrally selective reflectance; low gloss; low degree of polarization; low infrared emissivity; non-destructive properties in radar and in general controllability of optical properties. Trends are identified and the most interesting materials and coating designs are presented with relevant performance metrics. They are sorted into categories in the order of increasing complexity: pigments and paints, one-dimensional structures, multidimensional structures (including photonic crystals), and lastly biomimic and metamaterials. The military utility of the coatings is assessed qualitatively. The need for developing a framework for assessing the military utility of incrementally increasing the performance of spectrally selective coatings is identified.

In this work, spectroscopic ellipsometry and vector network analysis are used to determine the electromagnetic response of three samples, an epoxy polymer, a sample with ferrit-based nanoparticles in a polymer matrix and silicon, in the wavelength ranges 0.4-30 μm and 0.75-7.59 cm. Both methods measure amplitude and phase changes due to interaction with a sample and can be used to measure the full complex-valued dielectric response to electromagnetic radiation. The data from the two methods show similar levels of the response at the two ends of the spectral gap between the ranges of the two methods.

Optical properties in terms of the complex-valued dielectric function were determined for spin-coated films of a Rose Bengal derivative using variable angle of incidence spectroscopic ellipsometry in the visible and infrared wavelength regions. In addition, the thickness and roughness of the films were determined and related to the solution concentration of Rose Bengal. Switching between two different oxidation states of the Rose Bengal derivative was investigated. The two states were chemically induced by exposure to vapors of hydrochloric acid and ammonia, respectively. A substantial and reversible change of the optical properties of the films was observed.

In the present work the infrared-transmission of PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrensulfonat)) is being investigated using three different kind of electrochromic devises. PEDOT:PSS is an electrochromic conducting polymer able to change its optical properties when it is doped and undoped. The doping is achieved by a voltage applied across the cell. The optical properties are reversible if the polarity of the voltage is changed. We report here, to our knowledge, the first cell with adaptive transmission in the infrared wavelength range. The issue for this type of cell is that all the layers in the device must be transmissive in the whole relevant wavelength range. The results were further verified by construction of similar cells with different configuration giving adaptable reflectivity.

Optical properties of natural photonic structures can inspire material developments in diversified areas, such as the spectral design of surfaces for camouflage. Here, reflectance, scattering, and polarization properties of the cuticle of the scarab beetle Cyphochilus insulanus are studied with spectral directional hemispherical reflectance, bidirectional reflection distribution function (BRDF) measurements, and Mueller-matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry (MMSE). At normal incidence, a reflectance (0.6–0.75) is found in the spectral range of 400–1600 nm and a weaker reflectance <0.2  in the UV range as well as for wavelengths >1600  nm  . A whiteness of 𝑊=42  is observed for mainly the elytra of the beetle. Chitin is a major constituent of the insect cuticle which is verified by the close similarity of the measured IR spectrum to that of 𝛼  -chitin. The BRDF signal shows close-to-Lambertian properties of the beetle for visible light at small angles of incidence. From the MMSE measurement it is found that the beetles appear as dielectric reflectors reflecting linearly polarized light at oblique incidence with low gloss and a low degree of polarization. The measured beetle properties are properties that can be beneficial in a camouflage material.