Miniature light-emitting devices and optical sensors: Pesky insect inspires practical technology
Wednesday, September 10, 2014 - 03:32
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.