© 2016 OSA. Infrared imaging systems require new technologies at the pixel level to provide enhanced spectral sensitivity with similar function to cones and rods in the human retina. A multicolor imaging system can be accomplished with the aid of metamaterials to spectrally select and enhance a specific color from incoming radiation. In this work, we demonstrate the use of a metamaterial absorber design to enhance the quantum efficiency of an infrared interband cascade detector from 6.1% to 18.6% at a peak operating wavelength of 6.14μm and 4.1% to 14.7% at a peak operating wavelength of 7.13μm.