Broadband infrared reflecting thin films inspired by quasi-ordered photonic structures in squid tissue

Rotstein R., Sweeney A.M., Holt A., Stucky G.D., Morse D.E.
UCSB, US

Keywords: bio-Inspired, photonic crystals, self-assembly, thin films

We present a novel synthetic approach to replicating the optical properties of quasi-ordered photonic structures in the silver-colored tissue in Loliginid squid. The squid system exhibits broadband reflectance in the visible spectrum. Rod-like polystyrene particles, inspired by the squid structures, are self-assembled into thin films. These films, and their silica inverse structures, exhibit broadband reflectance in the IR.

PDF of paper:

Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2011: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites
Published: June 13, 2011
Pages: 449 - 451
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topics: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications, Coatings, Surfaces & Membranes
ISBN: 978-1-4398-7142-3