Microscale radiative effects in complex microstructures of iridescent butterfly wing scales

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Title

Materials Research Society Symposium - Proceedings

Publication Date

12-1-1998

Abstract

The cellular microstructure of insect scales can be detailed intricately with three-dimensional structures and multiple thin-film layers. In butterflies, iridescent scales can reflect bright colors through thin-film interference and other optical phenomena; the balance of radiation is absorbed for thermoregulatory purposes. Results of numerical and experimental investigations into the function, properties, and structure of these scales are presented. Of particular interest are the numerical modeling of the microscale radiative effects in the scales, determining the optical properties of the biological material, and the cellular development of thin-film structures.

Volume

489

First Page

173

Last Page

178

ISSN

02729172

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