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Nanostructured Antireflective and Thermoisolative Cicada Wings
Junko Morikawa1, Meguya Ryu1, Gediminas Seniutinas2,3
1Tokyo Institute of Technology, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|April 23, 2016
Summary
The thermal diffusivity of cicada wings was measured, revealing anisotropic properties due to nanotextures. Nanospikes on the wing surface act as an effective antireflection coating, enhancing light concentration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials science
- Nanotechnology
- Bio-inspired engineering
Background:
- Macroscopic properties of biomaterials arise from nanoscale structures.
- Understanding thermal and optical properties of insect wings is crucial for bio-inspired design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the thermal diffusivity of a cicada wing.
- To investigate the optical properties of its nanotextured surface.
- To correlate nanoscale structure with macroscale functions.
Main Methods:
- Thermal diffusivity measured using contact temperature wave method and infrared (IR) imaging.
- Optical properties simulated using a 3D model of the wing's nanostructure.
Main Results:
- Anisotropic thermal diffusivity: α⊥ = (0.71 ± 0.15) × 10(-7) m(2)/s (thickness) and α∥ = (3.6 ± 0.2) × 10(-7) m(2)/s (in-plane).
- Nanospikes concentrate light, enhancing intensity by 3- to 4-fold.
- Nanostructure reduces reflectivity across the visible spectrum, functioning as an antireflection coating.
Conclusions:
- Cicada wing nanotextures significantly influence thermal transport and optical performance.
- The findings offer insights for designing advanced optical and thermal management materials.
