Iridescence from photonic crystals and its suppression in butterfly scales.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 18980932.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1098/rsif.2008.0353.focus and PMC identifier 2706480.
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Abstract
Regular three-dimensional periodic structures have been observed in the scales of over half a dozen butterfly species. We compare several of these structures: we calculate their photonic bandgap properties; measure the angular variation of the reflection spectra; and relate the observed iridescence (or its suppression) to the structures. We compare the mechanisms for iridescence suppression in different species and conclude with some speculations about form, function, development and evolution.
Medical subject headings
- Butterflies
- Optical Phenomena
- Wings, Animal