31-07-2012, 11:01 AM
A Study and Analysis of Blue Morpho Butterfly Wing Nanostructures for Commercial Fabrication
Abstract
This study focuses on the photonic crystals found in the scales of a butterfly wing, particularly those of the species known as the blue Morpho Rhetenor butterfly. To study these nanostructures, scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and the development of a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) program were necessary. The FDTD program produced a graphical display of what colors are reflected as a result of light propagation. The purpose of this study was to find what method of fabrication is necessary to possibly reproducing these photonic crystals. Such fabrication methods would eventually be applied for commercial uses.
What Are Photonic Crystals?
Periodic dielectric nanostructures affecting propagation of EM waves; allows and forbids certain electron energy bands.
Give rise to such optical events as the inhibition of spontaneous emission and low-loss waveguiding when allowed propagating electromagnetic waves are not present.
The basic phenomenon behind photonic crystals is based on diffraction, or the bending and spreading of waves.
Periodicity of photonic crystal structures must be at the same length scale of the wavelength of the EM waves; allows them to operate in the visible portion of the spectrum.
Bragg’s Law: λB = 2neffΛ
Benefits of Nanotechnology
In the computer world, nanotechnology is important to the development of small computer circuits that can reduced the size of computers.
Disadvantages of Nanotechnology
Safety hazards with nanomaterials
Some studies detected possible cancer-causing properties of carbon nanotubes
Some nanomaterials bounded with other materials or components