Smart Materials That Control Heat—One Pixel at a Time

At Carnegie Mellon, researchers are developing smart materials that can dynamically control heat and infrared radiation—crucial for energy-efficient buildings, space tech, and more. In collaboration with Penn State, they’ve created a pixel-by-pixel infrared system, even fabricating an IR-readable QR code. This breakthrough enables real-time thermal signature control, paving the way for innovations in thermal camouflage, sensing, and energy management—with real-world applications expected within a decade.