Photonic beetle is nature’s answer to optical computers

July 1, 2008
The scales of an inch-long beetle from Brazil possess properties that scientists have not been able to fabricate synthetically.

The scales of an inch-long beetle from Brazil possess properties that scientists have not been able to fabricate synthetically. Researchers at the University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT) used a scanning electron microscope to examine the three-dimensional structure of the shell of the lamprocyphus augustus weevil, which glitters an iridescent green from all angles. Michael Bartl, professor of chemistry and physics, and his team found that the beetle’s exoskeleton consists of scales with a structure ideal for ultrafast optical computers of the future, similar to that of the crystal-lattice structure of diamond.

Click here to enlarge image

The scales are made of some 200 pieces of chitin, the same ingredient in fingernails. Each scale measures 200 × 100 µm and comprises a lattice of chitin stacked with air. Each piece of chitin is oriented in a different direction, reflecting a slightly different color of green. The shell of the beetle is not semiconducting, so is not useful for optical computing. But a similar, fabricated diamond-like structure would work like a photonic bandgap to reflect light of a certain wavelength. Contact Michael Bartl at [email protected].

Sponsored Recommendations

Next generation tunable infrared lasers

Nov. 28, 2023
Discussion of more powerful and stable quantum cascade tunable infrared lasers, applications, and test results.

What AI demands mean for data centers

Nov. 28, 2023
The 2023 Photonics-Enabled Cloud Computing Summit assembled by Optica took an aggressive approach to calling out the limitations of today’s current technologies.

SLP feature for lighting control available on cameras offering

Nov. 28, 2023
A proprietary structured light projector (SLP) feature is now available on the company’s camera series, including the ace 2, boost R, ace U, and ace L.

Chroma Customer Spotlight - Dr. David Warshaw, About his Lab

Nov. 27, 2023
David Warshaw, Professor and Chair of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Vermont (UVM), walks us through his lab. Learn about his lab’s work with the protein...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!