Reflectivity of the gyroid biophotonic crystals in the ventral wing scales of the Green Hairstreak butterfly,Callophrys rubi |
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Authors: | K Michielsen H De Raedt D G Stavenga |
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Affiliation: | 1.EMBD, Vlasakker 21, 2160 Wommelgem, Belgium;2.Department of Applied Physics, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands;3.Department of Neurobiophysics, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | We present a comparison of the computer simulation data of gyroid nanostructures with optical measurements (reflectivity spectra and scattering diagrams) of ventral wing scales of the Green Hairstreak butterfly, Callophrys rubi. We demonstrate that the omnidirectional green colour arises from the gyroid cuticular structure grown in the domains of different orientation. We also show that this three-dimensional structure, operating as a biophotonic crystal, gives rise to various polarization effects. We briefly discuss the possible biological utility of the green coloration and polarization effects. |
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Keywords: | structural colour butterflies Lycaenidae gyroid photonic bandgap materials |
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