Contribution of double scattering to structural coloration in quasiordered nanostructures of bird feathers
- Yale
We measured the polarization- and angle-resolved optical scattering and reflection spectra of the quasiordered nanostructures in the bird feather barbs. In addition to the primary peak that originates from single scattering, we observed a secondary peak which exhibits depolarization and distinct angular dispersion. We explained the secondary peak in terms of double scattering, i.e., light is scattered successively twice by the structure. The two sequential single-scattering events are considered uncorrelated. Using the Fourier power spectra of the nanostructures obtained from the small-angle x-ray scattering experiment, we calculated the double scattering of light in various directions. The double-scattering spectrum is broader than the single-scattering spectrum, and it splits into two subpeaks at larger scattering angle. The good agreement between the simulation results and the experimental data confirms that double scattering of light makes a significant contribution to the structural color.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States). Advanced Photon Source (APS)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 1002528
- Journal Information:
- Phys. Rev. E, Vol. 81, Issue (5) ; 05, 2010; ISSN 1539-3755
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- ENGLISH
Similar Records
Double scattering of light from Biophotonic Nanostructures with short-range order
Colour-producing [beta]-keratin nanofibres in blue penguin (Eudyptula minor) feathers