Nanotechnology beetles will help fiber technology

    A team of scientists led by Sharon Jewell of the University of Exeter, UK, found that the carapace of the Plusiotic family of beetles is coated with special nanoscale formations that reflect light with only left-handed circular polarization.



    This amazing effect is created due to the presence in the composition of the shell of the insect complex structure of fibrin fibers that are part of the protein matrix. This structure is very similar to the spiral microstructure of liquid cholesterol crystals.



    Scientists were able to study in detail the structure of the shell only with the help of scanning electron microscopy.

    According to the researchers, a detailed study of the shell of the beetle will create a new class of optical devices, in particular displays that selectively reflect light. In addition, the beetle will help improve modern micromirror arrays used in fiber optic technology, reports Nanotechweb.

    Link to the source: rnd.cnews.ru/tech/news/line/index_science.shtml?2007/05/21/250986

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