Light scattering optimization of chitin random network in ultrawhite beetle scales
Year: 2017
Authors: Utel F., Cortese L., Pattelli L., Burresi M., Vignolini S., Wiersma D.
Autors Affiliation: LENS-European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy; ICFO-The Institute of Photonics Sciences, Av. Carl Friedrich Gauss 3, Castelldefes, 08860, Spain; Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Rd, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Abstract: Among the natural white colored photonics structures, a bio-system has become of great interest in the field of disordered optical media: The scale of the white beetle Chyphochilus. Despite its low thickness, on average 7 µm, and low refractive index, this beetle exhibits extreme high brightness and unique whiteness. These properties arise from the interaction of light with a complex network of chitin nano filaments embedded in the interior of the scales. As it
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KeyWords: Anisotropy; Chitin; Complex networks; Light scattering; Luminance; Reflection; Refractive index, Chyphochilus; Nature inspired; Structural coloration; White beetle; Whiteness, Filaments (lamp)DOI: 10.1117/12.2274447