Polarization Conversion Effect in Biological and Synthetic Photonic Diamond Structures

Abstract

Polarization of light is essential for some living organisms and many optical applications. Here, an orientation dependent polarization conversion effect is reported for light reflected from diamond‐structure‐based photonic crystals (D‐structure) inside the scales of a beetle, the weevil Entimus imperialis. When linearly polarized light propagates along its 〈100〉 directions, the D‐structure behaves analogous to a half‐wave plate in reflection but based on a different mechanism. The D‐structure rotates the polarization direction of linearly polarized light, and reflects circularly polarized light of both handednesses without changing it. This polarization effect is different from circular dichroism occurring in chiral biological photonic structures discovered before. The structural origin of this effect is symmetry breaking inside D‐structure's unit cell. This finding demonstrates that natural photonic structures can exploit multiple functionalities inherent to the design principles of their structural organization. Aiming at transferring the inherent polarization effect of the biological D‐structure to technically realizable materials, three simplified biomimetic structural models are derived and it is theoretically demonstrated that they retain the effect. Out of these structures, functioning woodpile structure prototypes are fabricated.

Thermochromic Multicolored Photonic Coatings with Light Polarization- and Structural Color-Dependent Changes

“…Dynamic photonic structures are also found, like chameleons adapting their skin color to the environment for camouflage and body temperature control . Inspired by nature, research on artificial photonic structures − is dedicated to creating colorful patterns − as well as thermochromism , and light polarization-dependent colors. − Such materials are interesting for applications ranging from temperature control in buildings to security features. However, a photonic material combining all these features has not been realized yet.…”

Influence of disorder on a Bragg microcavity

“…Disorder plays an important role in photonics. For example, it drives the coloring and polarization conversion of natural disordered light diffusers such as opals, birds feathers, or wings of butterflies [1][2][3][4][5]. Unavoidable technological imperfections can sometimes critically reduce the desired performance of photonic crystal slab waveguides and nanocavities [6][7][8][9].…”

High-Order Photonic Cavity Modes Enabled 3D Structural Colors

“…The realization of visible frequency PBG requires subwavelength periodicity of WPCs, which is a challenge for conventional 2D nanofabrication techniques due to a combination of limited structural rigidity and process complexity. ,,− Two-photon lithography (TPL) introduces design flexibility and feasibility in fabricating such WPCs, enabling various applications, such as 3D topological photonics (Weyl points), energy dissipation and protective materials, and 3D structural colors. Previous studies on structural colors of WPCs have been focused on producing visible PBGs on the top or bottom surfaces as light propagates along the stacking direction. ,, Visible polarization convertors based on the top-illuminated band gap have also been demonstrated . To achieve such visible stop bands along this direction under top illumination, one has to reduce the lattice constants significantly below 500 nm (Figure S1 in the Supporting Information) in all directions, which is beyond the lateral resolution limit of commercial TPL and the IP-Dip resin (∼500 nm) .…”

“…32,33,35 Visible polarization convertors based on the top-illuminated band gap have also been demonstrated. 42 To achieve such visible stop bands along this direction under top illumination, one has to reduce the lattice constants significantly below 500 nm (Figure S1 in the Supporting Information) in all directions, which is beyond the lateral resolution limit of commercial TPL and the IP-Dip resin (∼500 nm). 43 Such high-resolution printing requires modified resists or a complex optical setup (e.g., stimulated emission depletion direct laser writing, STED-DWL) 24,43,44 and multiple fabrication processes (alternating e-beam lithography and material deposition).…”