Nanotechnology research into the structure of the surface of a Morpho butterfly wing scales
Image details
Contributor:
Greenshoots Communications / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
B4MR6NFile size:
66.5 MB (1.9 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
5906 x 3937 px | 50 x 33.3 cm | 19.7 x 13.1 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
2008Location:
English, United Kingdom, Europe, GB, England, Great Britain, UK BritishPhotographer:
NCP ImagesMore information:
Butterfly wing colours are produced by a combination of pigments and reflection from photonic structures. Some species of butterfly have a regular array of scattering elements. Whatever the angle of light striking the wings, the same wavelength of light is reflected on at the same angle. As the wavelengths are so narrow the colour is pure and intense. The scattering effect is produced by naturally occurring photonic crystals. For some time it has been known that the colour of butterfly wings is formed by the occurring of such structures in scales made of chitin. These are polysaccharides found in certain insects and animals. Although they can be studied mathematically they are not normally able to be manufactures by man made devices. Applications in future nanotechnologies may exist in the manufacture of semi conductor devices and LEDs. Nanotechnology in general has the potential in to be used in technologies from energy, the environment, information, communication, semiconductors, chemicals, medical and forensic science, drugs and in making stronger, lighter materials. A nanometre or nm is one billionth of a metre, meter. A very small size scale.