Optical Biomimetics

Book description

Optical biomimetics, the study of natural systems to inspire novel solutions to problems in optical technologies, has attracted growing interest. Optical biomimetics reviews key research in this area, focusing on the techniques and approaches used to characterise and mimic naturally occurring optical effects.

Beginning with an overview of natural photonic structures, Optical biomimetics goes on to discuss optical applications of biomolecules, such as retinylidene and bacteriorhodopsin, polarisation effects in natural photonic structures and their applications, and biomimetic nanostructures for anti-reflection (AR) devices. Control of iridescence in natural photonic structures is explored through the case of butterfly scales, alongside a consideration of nanostructure fabrication using natural synthesis. The investigation into silk optical materials is followed by a final discussion of the control of florescence in natural photonic structures.

With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Optical biomimetics is a valuable guide for scientists and engineers in both academia and industry who are already studying biomimetics, and a fascinating introduction for those who wish to move into this interesting new field.

  • Reviews key research in optical biomimetics, focusing on the techniques and approaches used to characterise and mimic naturally-occurring optical effects
  • Discusses optical applications of biomolecules, such as retinylidene and bacteriorhodopsin
  • Explores the control of iridescence in natural photonic structures through the case of butterfly scales

Table of contents

  1. Cover image
  2. Title page
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Copyright
  5. Contributor contact details
  6. Woodhead Publishing Series in Electronic and Optical Materials
  7. Introduction
  8. Chapter 1: Natural photonic structures: an overview
    1. Abstract:
    2. 1.1 Introduction
    3. 1.2 Photonic structures found in nature
    4. 1.3 Examples of optical biomimetic devices
    5. 1.4 Biomimetic approaches to fabrication of optical devices
    6. 1.5 Conclusion
    7. 1.6 Acknowledgements
  9. Chapter 2: Optical applications of biomolecules
    1. Abstract:
    2. 2.1 Introduction: biomimetics and biotechnology
    3. 2.2 Retinylidene proteins for optical devices
    4. 2.3 Applications of bacteriorhodopsin
    5. 2.4 Enhancing bacteriorhodopsin for device applications
    6. 2.5 Conclusions and future trends
    7. 2.6 Acknowledgements
  10. Chapter 3: Polarisation effects in natural photonic structures and their applications
    1. Abstract:
    2. 3.1 Introduction
    3. 3.2 Principles of polarisation
    4. 3.3 Experimental techniques to study polarisation
    5. 3.4 Polarisation structures in insects
    6. 3.5 Bio-inspired applications: anti-counterfeiting patterns
    7. 3.6 Conclusion
  11. Chapter 4: Biomimetic nanostructures for anti-reflection (AR) devices
    1. Abstract:
    2. 4.1 Introduction
    3. 4.2 Anti-reflection (AR)
    4. 4.3 Gradient refractive index structures
    5. 4.4 Biomimetic photonic and anti-reflecting nanostructures
    6. 4.5 Future trends and conclusions
    7. 4.6 Acknowledgements
    8. 4.8 Appendix: glossary of terms
  12. Chapter 5: Control of iridescence in natural photonic structures: the case of butterfly scales
    1. Abstract:
    2. 5.1 Introduction to structural colour
    3. 5.2 Types of structural colour in butterflies
    4. 5.3 Control of iridescence
    5. 5.4 Perspectives on butterfly biomimetics
  13. Chapter 6: Fabrication of nanostructures using natural synthesis: optical materials using silk
    1. Abstract:
    2. 6.1 Introduction
    3. 6.2 Silk optics and photonics
    4. 6.3 Silk electronics and optoelectronics
    5. 6.4 Conclusion
  14. Chapter 7: Fluorescence control in natural green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based photonic structures of reef corals
    1. Abstract:
    2. 7.1 Introduction
    3. 7.2 Green fluorescent protein (GFP) structure and diversity
    4. 7.3 Photoactive fluorescent proteins (PAFPs)
    5. 7.4 Conclusion
  15. Index

Product information

  • Title: Optical Biomimetics
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: September 2012
  • Publisher(s): Woodhead Publishing
  • ISBN: 9780857097651