On the multifunctionality of butterfly scales: a scaling law for the ridges of cover scales

The bright colors found on the wings of some butterflies have been widely examined during recent decades because they are frequently caused by nano-structures and not by pigments or dyes. Sometimes it is puzzling to discover the physical origin of these structural colors because the color-causing nano-structures are integrated into a complex structure of scales that densely covers the butterfly wings. While the color of the wings serves purposes ranging from mating to camouflage and thermoregulation, the overall structure of the scales is commonly believed to assist with aerodynamics, self-cleaning, and easy release from spider webs. This multi-functionality of butterfly scales causes various constraints for their evolutionary design. Here, we present a structural analysis of the height and distance of the ridges in cover scales of butterfly species from different families. The subsequent analysis reveals a linear scaling law. The height of the ridges is always less than half of the distance between them. Finally, we discuss possible reasons for this geometrical scaling law

Recent Progress in Light‐Scattering Porous Polymers and Their Applications

Conventional inorganic-nanoparticles-based scattering systems have dominated many practical applications for years. In contrast, the rise of porous polymers is perceived as a game-changer due to their low cost, facile preparation, and great abundance. One challenging issue to be tackled is the design and fabrication of porous polymers with light-scattering properties comparable to those of inorganic nanoparticles. Taking inspiration from nature (e.g., from white beetles Cyphochilus), scientists have achieved remarkable progress in the field of light-scattering porous polymers and their related applications in recent years. Therefore, here, an up-to-date review about this emerging field is provided. This overview covers materials for making porous polymer structures, detailed fabrication methods, and applications benefitting from their tailorable light-scattering properties. It is envisioned that more bioinspired light-scattering porous polymers will be made to be potential alternatives of conventional nanoparticles-based scatterers

Colour formation on the wings of the butterfly Hypolimnas salmacis by scale stacking.

The butterfly genus Hypolimnas features iridescent blue colouration in some areas of its dorsal wings. Here, we analyse the mechanisms responsible for such colouration on the dorsal wings of Hypolimnas salmacis and experimentally demonstrate that the lower thin lamina in the white cover scales causes the blue iridescence. This outcome contradicts other studies reporting that the radiant blue in Hypolimnas butterflies is caused by complex ridge-lamellar architectures in the upper lamina of the cover scales. Our comprehensive optical study supported by numerical calculation however shows that scale stacking primarily induces the observed colour appearance of Hypolimnas salmacis.non

Tunnel Magnetoresistance Sensors with Magnetostrictive Electrodes: Strain Sensors

Magnetostrictive tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors pose a bright perspective in micro- and nano-scale strain sensing technology. The behavior of TMR sensors under mechanical stress as well as their sensitivity to the applied stress depends on the magnetization configuration of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ)s with respect to the stress axis. Here, we propose a configuration resulting in an inverse effect on the tunnel resistance by tensile and compressive stresses. Numerical simulations, based on a modified Stoner–Wohlfarth (SW) model, are performed in order to understand the magnetization reversal of the sense layer and to find out the optimum bias magnetic field required for high strain sensitivity. At a bias field of -3.2 kA/m under a 0.2 × 10$^{-3}$ strain, gauge factors of 2294 and -311 are calculated under tensile and compressive stresses, respectively. Modeling results are investigated experimentally on a round junction with a diameter of 30 ± 0.2 μm using a four-point bending apparatus. The measured field and strain loops exhibit nearly the same trends as the calculated ones. Also, the gauge factors are in the same range. The junction exhibits gauge factors of 2150 ± 30 and -260 for tensile and compressive stresses, respectively, under a -3.2 kA/m bias magnetic field. The agreement of the experimental and modeling results approves the proposed configuration for high sensitivity and ability to detect both tensile and compressive stresses by a single TMR sensor

Snake‐Inspired, Nano‐Stepped Surface with Tunable Frictional Anisotropy Made from a Shape‐Memory Polymer for Unidirectional Transport of Microparticles

The ventral scales of many snake species are decorated with oriented micro‐fibril structures featuring nano‐steps to achieve anisotropic friction for efficient locomotion. Here, a nano‐stepped surface with tunable frictional anisotropy inspired by this natural structure is presented. It is fabricated by replicating the micro‐fibril structure of the ventral scales of the Chinese cobra (Naja atra) into a thermo‐responsive shape‐memory polymer via hot embossing. The resulting smart surface transfers from a flat topography to a predefined structure of nano‐steps upon heating. During this recovery process, the nano‐steps grow out of the surfaces resulting in a surface with frictional anisotropy, which is characterized in situ by an atomic force microscopy. The desired frictional anisotropy can be customized by stopping the heating process before full recovery. The nano‐stepped surface is employed for the unidirectional transport of microscale particles through small random vibrations. Due to the frictional anisotropy, the microspheres drift unidirectionally (down the nano‐steps). Finally, dry self‐cleaning is demonstrated by the transportation of a pile of microparticles

Scalable and controlled self-assembly of aluminum-based random plasmonic metasurfaces.

Subwavelength metal-dielectric plasmonic metasurfaces enable light management beyond the diffraction limit. However, a cost-effective and reliable fabrication method for such structures remains a major challenge hindering their full exploitation. Here, we propose a simple yet powerful manufacturing route for plasmonic metasurfaces based on a bottom-up approach. The fabricated metasurfaces consist of a dense distribution of randomly oriented nanoscale scatterers composed of aluminum (Al) nanohole-disk pairs, which exhibit angle-independent scattering that is tunable across the entire visible spectrum. The macroscopic response of the metasurfaces is controlled via the properties of an isolated Al nanohole-disk pair at the nanoscale. In addition, the optical field confinement at the scatterers and their random distribution of sizes result in a strongly enhanced Raman signal that enables broadly tunable excitation using a single substrate. This unique combination of a reliable and lithography-free methodology with the use of aluminum permits the exploitation of the full potential of random plasmonic metasurfaces for diagnostics and coloration.We thank M. Heiler (KIT) for metal evaporation and G. Kamita (University of Cambridge) for the help in optical measurement. Furthermore, we acknowledge fruitful discussions with all members of the Biomimetics group at KIT and Bio-inspired photonics group at University of Cambridge. R.H.S acknowledges the funding by the Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists for a research stay at Cambridge. This work was partly carried out with the support of the Karlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics (KSOP, www.ksop.idschools.kit.edu) and the Karlsruhe Nano Micro Facility (KNMF, www.kit.edu/knmf), a Helmholtz Research Infrastructure at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT, www.kit.edu). S.V. acknowledges the BBSRC David Phillips fellowship [BB/K014617/1] and the ERC-2014-STG H2020 639088, and J.M. acknowledges the EPSRC [EP/G060649/1]

3D-Printed Scanning-Probe Microscopes with Integrated Optical Actuation and Read-Out

Scanning‐probe microscopy (SPM) is the method of choice for high‐resolution imaging of surfaces in science and industry. However, SPM systems are still considered as rather complex and costly scientific instruments, realized by delicate combinations of microscopic cantilevers, nanoscopic tips, and macroscopic read‐out units that require high‐precision alignment prior to use. This study introduces a concept of ultra‐compact SPM engines that combine cantilevers, tips, and a wide variety of actuator and read‐out elements into one single monolithic structure. The devices are fabricated by multiphoton laser lithography as it is a particularly flexible and accurate additive nanofabrication technique. The resulting SPM engines are operated by optical actuation and read‐out without manual alignment of individual components. The viability of the concept is demonstrated in a series of experiments that range from atomic‐force microscopy engines offering atomic step height resolution, their operation in fluids, and to 3D printed scanning near‐field optical microscopy. The presented approach is amenable to wafer‐scale mass fabrication of SPM arrays and capable to unlock a wide range of novel applications that are inaccessible by current approaches to build SPMs

Bio-inspired, large scale, highly-scattering films for nanoparticle-alternative white surfaces

Inspired by the white beetle of the genus Cyphochilus, we fabricate ultra-thin, porous PMMA films by foaming with CO_2 saturation. Optimising pore diameter and fraction in terms of broad-band reflectance results in very thin films with exceptional whiteness. Already films with 60 µm-thick scattering layer feature a whiteness with a reflectance of 90%. Even 9 µm thin scattering layers appear white with a reflectance above 57%. The transport mean free path in the artificial films is between 3.5 µm and 4 µm being close to the evolutionary optimised natural prototype. The bio-inspired white films do not lose their whiteness during further shaping, allowing for various applications