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.
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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.