Beetles-nanotechnologists will help fiber optic technology

A team of scientists led by Sharon Jewell from the University of Exeter, United Kingdom, found that the shell of the Plusiotic beetles is covered with special nanoscale formations that reflect light with only left-handed circular polarization.



This amazing effect is created due to the presence of a complex structure of fibrin fibers in the composition of the shell of an insect, which are contained in the protein matrix. This structure is very similar to the spiral microstructure of liquid cholesterol crystals.
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Scientists were able to study in detail the structure of the shell only using scanning electron microscopy.

As the researchers say, a detailed study of the shell of the beetle will allow you to create a new class of optical devices, in particular displays that selectively reflect light. In addition, the beetle will help improve the modern matrix of micromirrors used in fiber optic technology, according to Nanotechweb.

Reference to the source: rnd.cnews.ru/tech/news/line/index_science.shtml?2007/05/21/250986