A team of scientists headed by Sharon Jewell (Sharon Jewell) from the University of Exeter (University of Exeter), UK, found that the carapace of beetles of the family Plusiotic coated with a special nano-sized formations that reflect light from only left-hand circular polarization.
This amazing effect is created due to the presence in the composition of the carapace of the insect complex structure of fibrin fibers within a protein matrix. This structure is very similar to the spiral microstructure of liquid crystals of cholesterol.
Scientists were able to study in detail the structure of the carapace only by using scanning electron microscopy.
As the researchers say, a detailed study of the beetle's shell will create a new class of optical devices, in particular displays, selectively reflecting light. In addition, the beetle will help to improve modern matrix microthermal used in fiber-optic technology, according Nanotechweb.