Pesky Insect Inspires Practical Technology
Tuesday, September 9, 2014 - 10:30
in Physics & Chemistry
Our hands and swatters often fail in the struggle to kill flies. This isn't our fault, but rather is due to flies' compound eyes. Arranged in a hexagonal, convex pattern, compound eyes consist of hundreds of optical units called ommatidia, which together bestow upon flies a nearly 360-degree field of vision. With this capability in mind, a team of researchers is drawing on this structure to create miniature light-emitting devices and optical sensors.