Asymmetric optical camouflage: tuneable reflective colour accompanied by the optical Janus effect

Abstract

Going beyond an improved colour gamut, an asymmetric colour contrast, which depends on the viewing direction, and its ability to readily deliver information could create opportunities for a wide range of applications, such as next-generation optical switches, colour displays, and security features in anti-counterfeiting devices. Here, we propose a simple Fabry–Perot etalon architecture capable of generating viewing-direction-sensitive colour contrasts and encrypting pre-inscribed information upon immersion in particular solvents (optical camouflage). Based on the experimental verification of the theoretical modelling, we have discovered a completely new and exotic optical phenomenon involving a tuneable colour switch for viewing-direction-dependent information delivery, which we define as asymmetric optical camouflage.