Approaches to mimic the metallic sheen in beetles

Torben A. Lenau; Martin Aggerbeck; Steffen Nielsen

doi:10.1117/12.826227

21 August 2009 Approaches to mimic the metallic sheen in beetles

Torben A. Lenau, Martin Aggerbeck, Steffen Nielsen

Proceedings Volume 7401, Biomimetics and Bioinspiration; 740107 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.826227
Event: SPIE NanoScience + Engineering, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

A range of different beetles exhibits brilliant colours and metallic sheen. One of the most spectacular species is the Plusiotis resplendens from Central America with gold metal appearance. The beetle shells are made from chitin and have a number of unique properties that apart from spectacular aesthetic effects include metal sheen from non-metal surfaces combined with electric and thermal insulation. The reflection mechanism has been studied by a number of authors and is well understood. Basically there are 2 different reflection principles. One is the multilayer reflector where alternating layers have high and low refractive index. The other is the Bouligand structure where birefringent chiral nanofibres are organised in spiral structures. The paper describes work done to explore different approaches to mimic these structures using polymer based materials and production methods that are suitable for more complex double curved geometry. One approach is to use alternating layers of 2 different polymers applied by dipping and another is applying cholesteric liquid crystals in paint. However, none of them can yet make the desired metal-looking free-form surfaces.

Citation Download Citation

Torben A. Lenau, Martin Aggerbeck, and Steffen Nielsen "Approaches to mimic the metallic sheen in beetles", Proc. SPIE 7401, Biomimetics and Bioinspiration, 740107 (21 August 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.826227

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