A research group led by Associate Professor Akira Saito and Kazuma Yamashita, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, has devised a new daylighting window that allows light to reach a bright and wide angle by devising the fine structure of the surface.It is an application of the structure of the wings of a morpho butterfly native to South America, and its effectiveness has been demonstrated by simulation.
According to Osaka University, the daylighting window is only partially exposed to light when the light goes straight, creating dark places such as the ceiling side.When the light was scattered, it became dark as a whole, and when the light was bent, a rainbow color was generated, and large equipment was required.
Therefore, the research group focused on the fact that the fine structure of the morpho butterfly wings spreads the light over a wide angle and prevents color bias, resulting in a shining blue like a jewel, and the unique reflection of the light of the morpho butterfly wings. We applied the characteristics to the transmission of light and devised an ideal daylighting window.
When this structure was verified by electromagnetic field simulation, it became clear that the same results as the wings of a morpho butterfly could be obtained.By utilizing this function, it can be expected to be applied to the development of daylighting windows that are bright up to the ceiling, light diffusers that are useful for various types of lighting, and greenhouses that have excellent light transmission and diffusivity.
Morpho butterflies are from South America, also known as living fossils, and are known for their shining blue wings.The color development is physically inconsistent and is influenced by the fine structure of the surface.
Paper information:[Journal of Optical Society of America B] Daylight window based on the nano-disorder inspired by Morpho butterflies' coloration
