New technique for structural color, inspired by birds
Tuesday, November 29, 2016 - 12:01
in Physics & Chemistry
A peacock’s bright teal and brilliant blue feathers are not the result of pigments but rather nanoscale networks that reflect specific wavelengths of light. This so-called structural coloration has long interested researchers and engineers because of its durability and potential for application in solar arrays, biomimetic tissues and adaptive camouflage. But today’s techniques to integrate structural color into materials are time-consuming and costly.