• Rapid Communication

Discovery of a diamond-based photonic crystal structure in beetle scales

Jeremy W. Galusha, Lauren R. Richey, John S. Gardner, Jennifer N. Cha, and Michael H. Bartl
Phys. Rev. E 77, 050904(R) – Published 29 May 2008

Abstract

We investigated the photonic crystal structure inside iridescent scales of the weevil Lamprocyphus augustus. By combining a high-resolution structure analysis technique based on sequential focused ion beam milling and scanning electron microscopy imaging with theoretical modeling and photonic band-structure calculations, we discovered a natural three-dimensional photonic structure with a diamond-based crystal lattice operating at visible wavelengths. Moreover, we found that within individual scales, the diamond-based structure is assembled in the form of differently oriented single-crystalline micrometer-sized pixels with only selected lattice planes facing the scales’ top surface. A comparison of results obtained from optical microreflectance measurements with photonic band-structure calculations reveals that it is this sophisticated microassembly of the diamond-based crystal lattice that lends Lamprocyphus augustus its macroscopically near angle-independent green coloration.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 14 December 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.77.050904

©2008 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Jeremy W. Galusha1, Lauren R. Richey1,2, John S. Gardner2, Jennifer N. Cha3, and Michael H. Bartl1,4,*

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, HEB Room 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
  • 2Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, 401 WIDB, Provo, Utah 84602, USA
  • 3IBM Almaden Research Center, 650 Harry Road, San Jose, California 95120, USA
  • 4Department of Physics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA

  • *Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: bartl@chem.utah.edu

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 77, Iss. 5 — May 2008

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review E

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×