Octopus-Inspired Camouflage and Signaling Systems
Abstract
Multifunctional platforms that can adaptively modulate their color and appearance are highly desired by the Department of Defense for applications as diverse as signaling, displays, sensors, camouflage, bioimaging, and energy harvesting. Within this context, the development of platforms that feature adaptive optical and fluorescent properties within the visible and near-to-shortwavelength infrared spectral ranges has proven quite challenging, in large part due to multiple demanding and frequently competing technical requirements. Herein, by drawing inspiration from the natural highly-evolved architecture and dynamic color-changing functionality of blue-ringed H. lunulata octopus skin, we propose to address this grand challenge and to develop multifunctional camouflage and signaling systems that will not only controllably modulate their relative color brightnesses, fluorescence signal intensities, and infrared appearance contrasts with the surroundings but that will also possess an unprecedented combination of associated performance metrics and figures of merit. Altogether, our proposed work will enable fundamental advances in multiple areas relevant to signature management and detection mitigation and will therefore establish a scientific and technological foundation for the next-generation of Naval warfighter protection capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112143
Entities
People
- Alon Gorodetsky
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, Irvine