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Highly Reproducible, Bio-Based Slab Photonic Crystals Grown by Diatoms.

Johannes W Goessling1, William P Wardley1, Martin Lopez-Garcia1

  • 1International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Braga 4715-330 Portugal.

Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|May 23, 2020
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Summary

Diatom microalgae naturally evolved photonic crystals (PhCs) in their exoskeletons. These structures offer cost-effective, eco-friendly alternatives for photonic materials, with tunable optical properties.

Keywords:
bioinspirationdiatomsfrustulesnanofabricationphotonic crystal slabs

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Area of Science:

  • Biophotonics
  • Materials Science
  • Nanotechnology

Background:

  • Slab photonic crystals (PhCs) are crucial for optical technologies but are expensive and environmentally taxing to fabricate.
  • Current nanofabrication methods require specialized cleanroom facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential of diatom microalgae as a natural, cost-effective, and sustainable source of photonic crystal materials.
  • To characterize the optical properties and reproducibility of PhCs found in diatom exoskeletons.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the optical properties of the diatom *Coscinodiscus granii* girdle under natural conditions.
  • Investigation of spectral dispersion with varying light incidence angles.
  • Assessment of refractive index contrast modulation.
  • Evaluation of unit cell period preservation across different *C. granii* strains and individuals.

Main Results:

  • The diatom *C. granii* girdle exhibits a well-defined optical pseudogap in the near-infrared (NIR), dispersing into the visible range at larger angles.
  • The unit cell period of these PhCs is highly reproducible within inbred lines and across different strains.
  • Diatoms present diverse PhC structures with potential to cover UV-vis-NIR spectral ranges.
  • Optical properties are tunable via refractive index contrast.

Conclusions:

  • Diatom exoskeletons represent a novel, naturally evolved source of reproducible slab photonic crystals.
  • These biological PhCs offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic photonic materials.
  • Diatoms provide a versatile platform for developing photonic devices across a broad spectrum.