Open AccessVapor sensing with a natural photonic cell
Author(s) -
Sébastien R. Mouchet,
Tijani Tabarrant,
Stéphane Lucas,
BaoLian Su,
Peter Vukusic,
Olivier Deparis
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.24.012267
Subject(s) - materials science , structural coloration , envelope (radar) , photonics , optics , iridescence , reflectivity , photonic crystal , water vapor , optoelectronics , chemistry , physics , telecommunications , radar , organic chemistry , computer science
Photonic structures encased by a permeable envelope give rise to iridescent blue color in the scales covering the male Hoplia coerulea beetle. This structure comprises a periodic porous multilayer. The color of these scales is known for changing from blue to green upon contact with water despite the presence of the envelope. This optical system has been referred to as a photonic cell due to the role of the envelope that mediates fluid exchanges with the surrounding environment. Following from previously studied liquid-induced changes in the color appearance of H. coerulea, we measured vapor-induced color changes in its appearance. This response to vapor exposure was marked by reflectance redshift and an increase in peak reflectance intensity. Different physico-chemical processes were investigated to explain the increase in reflectance intensity, a property not usually associated with vapor-induced optical signature changes. These simulations indicated the optical response arose from physisorption of a liquid film on the beetle scales followed by liquid penetration through the envelope and the filling of micropores within the body of the photonic structure.