Nano-biosilica from marine diatoms: A brand new material for photonic applications

Year: 2009

Authors: De Stefano L., Maddalena P., Moretti L., Rea I., Rendina I., De Tommasi E., Mocella V., De Stefano M.

Autors Affiliation: National Council of Research-Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems-Unit of Naples, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; CNR-INFM-Coherentia and Department of Physical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, 80100 Naples, Italy; DIMET, University “Mediterranea” of Reggio Calabria, Località Feo di Vito, 89060 Reggio Calabria, Italy; Environmental Science Department, Second University of Naples, 81100 Caserta, Italy

Abstract: Several biological organisms, from some sea shells to butterflies, exhibit sophisticated optical systems, which have been developed during the evolution of each species. The diatoms are microscopic algae enclosed between two valves of hydrated amorphous silica. These intricate structures, called frustules, show quite symmetric patterns of micrometric and nanometric pores. Their strong similarity with man-made objects suggests to exploit the optical properties of the frustules in light guiding and optical transducing. We have found very interesting results, both from the experimental and numerical points of view. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Journal/Review: SUPERLATTICES AND MICROSTRUCTURES

Volume: 46 (1-2)      Pages from: 84  to: 89

KeyWords: Diatoms; Photonic crystals; Optical chemical sensors
DOI: 10.1016/j.spmi.2008.10.031

Citations: 73
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