Butterfly Wing Thin-Film Structure
and Absorption of Radiation in Morpho menelaus
Andrew B. Crawford '99
 Wing of Morpho menelaus |
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 Assorted butterfly wings |
Abstract:
Through measurement of the spectral transmission and the modeling of a two-layer thin film reflectance between 400 and 700 nm, it was determined that the thickness of the chitin layers in M. menelaus is 184 nm ± 10 nm. Prior calculations of absorption neglected to take into account transmission through the wing. Some energy is absorbed due to the presence of thin-films, in percentages ranging from 7 – 35% ± 6%, dependent upon wavelength and peaking in the green/yellow. The optical structure of the wing warrants further investigation, especially in species from more temperate climates. Diffuse reflectance measures are suggested.
For more information, contact Dr. Daniel Koon:
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| © | St. Lawrence University | Department of Physics |
| Revised: 25 Jun 03 | Canton, NY 13617 |