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Polarization of light reflected from Chrysina gloriosa under various illuminations
Linköping University, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Applied Optics . Linköping University, The Institute of Technology.
Linköping University, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Applied Optics . Linköping University, The Institute of Technology.ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9229-2028
Linköping University, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Applied Optics . Linköping University, The Institute of Technology.ORCID iD: 0000-0003-2749-8008
2014 (English)In: Materials Today: Proceedings, Elsevier Ltd , 2014, Vol. 1, p. 172-176Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

When illuminated with unpolarized light, the scarab beetle Chrysina gloriosa, reflects left-handed near-circularly polarized light for a broad range of angles of incidence and wavelengths in the visible. It is, however, known that light scattered from the sky, reflected on water or transmitted through leaves often is linearly polarized. In this study we have analysed the polarization of light reflected on this beetle when illuminated with different polarization states of light. We have also analysed how the response would be with a polarization-sensitive detector. The reflected irradiance is shown to be highest when the incident light is s-polarized or left-handed polarized and the detector is unpolarized (or vice versa). In the case in which both, the source and the detector, are polarized, the irradiance is highest when both are s-polarized. On the contrary the visibility is low when the source is s-polarized and the detector is p-polarized.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier Ltd , 2014. Vol. 1, p. 172-176
Series
Materials Today: Proceedings, ISSN 2214-7853
Keywords [en]
Mueller-matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry; Near-circular polarization; Scarab beetle
National Category
Physical Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-116444DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2014.09.020Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-84923048023OAI: oai:DiVA.org:liu-116444DiVA, id: diva2:798812
Conference
Living Light: Uniting biology and photonics - A memorial meeting in honour of Prof Jean-Pol Vigneron
Available from: 2015-03-27 Created: 2015-03-26 Last updated: 2016-11-16
In thesis
1. Optical and Structural Characterization of Natural Nanostructures
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Optical and Structural Characterization of Natural Nanostructures
2016 (English)Doctoral thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

The spectacular biodiversity of our planet is the result of millions of years of evolution. Over this time animals and plants have evolved and adapted to different environments, developing specific behavioral and physical adaptations to increase their chances of survival. During the last centuries human's curiosity has pushed us to study and understand the phenomena and mechanisms of the nature that surrounds us. This understanding has even led to the fields of biomimetics where we seek solutions to human challenges by emulating nature.

Scarab beetles (from the insect family Scarabaeidae) have fascinated humans for centuries due to the brilliant metallic shine of their chitin-rich exoskeletons and more recently for their ability to polarize reflected light. This doctoral thesis focuses on the optical characterization of the polarized reflected light from beetles in the Chrysina genus, although beetles from other genera also have been investigated. All the Chrysina beetles studied here share one characteristic, they all reflect left-handed near-circular polarized light. In some cases we also detect right-handed polarized light.

We have observed two different main behaviors among the studied Chrysina beetles. Those which are green-colored scatter the reflected polarized light, whereas those with metallic appearance are broadband specular reflectors. We present a detailed analysis of the optical properties with Mueller-matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry combined with optical- and electron-microscopy studies of the exoskeletons. This allow us to create a model that reproduces the optical properties of these structures. The model consists of a chiral (helicoidal) multilayer structure with a gradual change of the pitch and a constant rotation of the optic axis of the layers.

Beetles are not alone to have polarizing structures in nature and it is known that many birds and insects have the ability to detect linearly polarized light. This raises the question of whether the polarization properties of the beetles are the direct or indirect results of evolution or just pure coincidence. In order to get a better understanding of the possible reasons of this particular ability, we present a simulation study of different possible scenarios in nature where incoming light could be polarized or unpolarized, and where we consider detectors (eyes) sensitive to different states of polarized light. If the beetles are able to use this characteristic for camouflage, to confuse predators or for intraspecific communication is,

however, still unknown and requires further investigation.

My research results provide deeper understanding of the properties of light reflected on the beetle's exoskeleton and the nanostructures responsible for the polarization of the reflected light. The developed model could be used as bioinspiration for the fabrication of novel nano-optical devices. My results can also complement biological behavioral experiments aiming to understand the purposes of this specific optical characteristics in nature.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Linköping: Linköping University Electronic Press, 2016. p. 53
Series
Linköping Studies in Science and Technology. Dissertations, ISSN 0345-7524 ; 1795
National Category
Atom and Molecular Physics and Optics Condensed Matter Physics Biophysics
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-132613 (URN)10.3384/diss.diva-132613 (DOI)9789176856703 (ISBN)
Public defence
2016-12-08, Planck, Fysikhuset, Campus Valla, Linköping, 10:15 (English)
Opponent
Supervisors
Note

The ISBN 978-91-978-91-7685-670-3 in the printed version of the thesis is incorrect. Correct ISBN is 978-91-7685-670-3. The ISBN is corrected in the electronic version.

Available from: 2016-11-16 Created: 2016-11-16 Last updated: 2019-10-29Bibliographically approved

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Fernandez Del Rio, LiaArwin, HansJärrendahl, Kenneth

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