The comet moth fibers contain a high density of nanoscale filamentary air voids that run along the fibers and cause strong specular (mirror-like) reflection of light. While individual fibers produced by our domesticated silkworms look like solid, transparent cylinders under an optical microscope, the individual thread spun by the comet moth caterpillars has a highly metallic sheen. This means we might be able to use them as a biocompatible and bioresorbable material for optical signal and image transport in biomedical applications." "Another amazing property of these fibers is that they can guide light signals or even transport simple images from one end to the other end of the fiber. Synthesizing fibers possessing similar optical properties could have important implications for the synthetic fiber industry," said Yu, an expert in nanophotonics. "The comet moth fibers are the best natural fibrous material to block sunlight we've ever seen. The study is published today in Light: Science & Application. They were so fascinated by the unusual properties of these fibers that they developed a technique to spin artificial fibers that mimic the nanostructures and optical properties of the natural fibers.
Led by Nanfang Yu, associate professor of applied physics, the team characterized the optical properties associated with one-dimensional nanostructures they found in comet moth cocoon fibers. Not only do the comet moth's cocoon fibers have outstanding cooling properties, they also have exceptional capabilities for transmitting light signals and images. Columbia Engineering researchers have discovered that fibers produced by the caterpillars of a wild silk moth, the Madagascar comet moth (Argema mittrei), are far superior in terms of brilliance and cooling ability.
New York, NY-May 17, 2018-Fabrics made from silkworm fibers have long been treasured for their beautiful luster and refreshing coolness. In exploring the optical properties of the Madagascar comet moth's cocoon fibers, Columbia Engineering team discovers the fibers' exceptional capabilities to reflect sunlight and to transmit optical signals and images, and develops methods to spin artificial fibers mimicking the natural fibers' nanostructures and optical properties view moreĬredit: Norman Shi and Nanfang Yu/Columbia Engineering Image: Madagascar comet moth cocoon fibers have a highly metallic sheen.
0 kommentar(er)
