Butterfly wing color: A photonic crystal demonstration. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Proietti Zaccaria, Remo
• Is Part Of: Optics and lasers in engineering. Volume 76(2016)
• Page Start: 70
• Page End: 73
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: Photonic crystals -- Photonic crystal in biology -- Triclinic Bravais lattice -- Plane wave expansion (PWE) method -- Rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA); Lasers in engineering -- Periodicals; Optical measurements -- Periodicals; Optics -- Periodicals; Lasers en ingénierie -- Périodiques; Mesures optiques -- Périodiques; Optique -- Périodiques; 621.36605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlaseng.2015.04.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-8166

Abstract

Abstract: We have theoretically modeled the optical behavior of a natural occurring photonic crystal, as defined by the geometrical characteristics of the Teinopalpus Imperialis butterfly. In particular, following a genetic algorithm approach, we demonstrate how its wings follow a triclinic crystal geometry with a tetrahedron unit base. By performing both photonic band analysis and transmission/reflection simulations, we are able to explain the characteristic colors emerging by the butterfly wings, thus confirming their crystal form. Abstract : Highlights: We model the optical response of the wings of the Teinopalpus Imperialis butterfly. The best matching solution is found by employing a genetic algorithm. The characterization is performed through band structure calculation and reflection analysis.