Natural photonics for industrial inspiration.
There are two considerations for optical biomimetics: the diversity of submicrometre architectures found in the natural world, and the industrial manufacture of these. A review exists on the latter subject, where current engineering methods are considered along with those of the natural cells. Here, on the other hand, I will provide a modern review of the different categories of reflectors and antireflectors found in animals, including their optical characterization. The purpose of this is to inspire designers within the $2 billion annual optics industry.
Department of Zoology, Natural History MuseumLondon SW7 5BD, UK. a.parker@nhm.ac.uk
Andrew R
AR
Parker
D000818:Animals; D040761:Biomimetic Materials; D032701:Biomimetics; D001717:Birds; D002080:Butterflies; D003460:Crystallization; D004175:Diptera; D004867:Equipment Design; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D055096:Optical Devices; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D011077:Polychaeta