Complex optical structure in the ribbon-like feathers of the African open-bill stork

Jean Pol Vigneron; Virginie Lousse; Jean-François Colomer; Marie Rassart; Michel Louette

doi:10.1117/12.682250

14 September 2006 Complex optical structure in the ribbon-like feathers of the African open-bill stork

Jean Pol Vigneron, Virginie Lousse, Jean-François Colomer, Marie Rassart, Michel Louette

Proceedings Volume 6320, Complex Photonic Media; 632014 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.682250
Event: SPIE Optics + Photonics, 2006, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The structural origin of the weak iridescence from the very peculiar ribbon-shaped feathers of the African open-bill stork, Anastomus lamelligerus (Ciconiidae) is investigated, using a combination of spectrophotometry, electron microscopy, and theoretical modelling. The cortex of these feathers can be described as a slab of keratin, transformed into a multilayer by the insertion of thin parallel planes containing harder nodules, disposed sideby- side and oriented along the feather axis. These nodules each show a sperically capped cylindrical shape. An empty cylindrical channel - the vacuole - occupies the long axis of the nodule. These nodules act in a collective and individual way to produce the frequency selection giving rise to the observed dark-green coloration of these special feathers.

Citation Download Citation

Jean Pol Vigneron, Virginie Lousse, Jean-François Colomer, Marie Rassart, and Michel Louette "Complex optical structure in the ribbon-like feathers of the African open-bill stork", Proc. SPIE 6320, Complex Photonic Media, 632014 (14 September 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.682250

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available