ENGINEERINGNET.EU -- Ever notice how the surface of a soap bubble or the inside of a seashell changes color depending on the angle of the light? It’s a phenomenon called iridescence.
Scientists at GE Global Research (U.S.) have been studying the iridescence of butterfly wings, hoping to find 21st century applications inspired by the five-million-year-old natural technology.
Dr. Potvrailo and his team recently published their findings in Nature Photonics. They found that when infrared radiation hit the butterfly wing, the nanostructures on the wing heat up and expand, causing the color change, or iridescence.
Using nanotechnology to add tiny nanotubes to the wings of the Morpho buttefly, the scientists were able to increase the amount of radiation the wings can absorb, improving their sensitivity.
The butterfly-powered breakthrough could mean cheaper thermal sensors with higher sensitivity and faster response times.
(picture : GE)
Video:
