Synthetic brochosomes for infrared signature management

Abstract

Natural brochosomes are hollow, nanoscopic, buckyball-shaped spheroids with through-holes distributed across their surfaces. Synthetic brochosomes can be prepared utilizing a microscopic three-dimensional printing method. The printed structures possess spherical, hemispherical, buckyball-like geometries. And the secondary features on these printed synthetic brochosomes are either in a shape of circular or a shape of hexagon and pentagon. The secondary feature can be open-pores or closed-pores. The brochosome can be made with polymers or comprised of composite materials including polymers and metals. These synthetic brochosomes can be used as antireflective coatings, optical encryption, and camouflage coatings in the infrared range from 750 nm to over 20 μm.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.