Full determination of the optical properties of the photonic crystal of the Diamond Weevil with new technique
The Diamond Weevil, Entimus imperialis, has stunning body coloration created by rows of greenish stars, assemblies of brightly reflecting wing scales, consisting of large domains with a unique optical structure, a diamond-type photonic crystal.
For the first time researchers of the University of Groningen could fully determine the optical properties of the photonic crystal by using a novel imaging technique, which allows rapid characterization of all types of photonic structures. The unraveled complex chitinous structure in the scales, found to be optimized for high reflectance, will inspire bio-mimetic applications. The new findings can also radiate into other fields, e.g. to design more efficient green-energy devices.
The findings are published in I nterface, Journal of the Royal Society, 21 December 2011
More information: Prof. Doekele Stavenga, Computational Physics, tel. +(0)50-363 4785, d.g.stavenga rug.nl
| Last modified: | 24 August 2021 3.42 p.m. |
More news
-
28 March 2025
Climate change: Microbes to the rescue!
Microorganisms may offer solutions that can help us combat climate change, say RUG scientists. This is also shown in an international report.
-
25 March 2025
What is needed to restore the Wadden region?
The Wadden Sea has always played an important role for fish, birds, and soil life: it serves as a breeding ground, refuelling station, and resting place. However, the Wadden Sea is not doing well. Today, researchers of the University of Groningen...
-
24 March 2025
A clearer look at the birth of the universe
Scientists from Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, will use the Simons Observatory's new telescope to search for new physics.