Detailed optical study of the transparent wing membranes of the dragonfly Aeshna cyanea
Hooper, Ian R.; Vukusic, Peter; Wootton, R. J.
Date: 29 May 2006
Journal
Optics Express
Publisher
Optical Society of America
Publisher DOI
Abstract
The optical properties of transparent single membranes on the wings of the dragonfly Aeshna cyanea have been investigated. These
membranes comprise one central thick cuticular layer covered dorsally and
ventrally with typical odonatan wax pruinosity. Optical characterisation of
individual membranes reveals they can support optical ...
The optical properties of transparent single membranes on the wings of the dragonfly Aeshna cyanea have been investigated. These
membranes comprise one central thick cuticular layer covered dorsally and
ventrally with typical odonatan wax pruinosity. Optical characterisation of
individual membranes reveals they can support optical guided modes comprising differential polarisation reflection. We suggest this may offer an intraspecific signalling channel. The guided modes’ characteristics depend on membrane thickness and the nature of the wax pruinosity. We accurately modelled multiple optical data sets simultaneously, thereby inaugurally
quantifying the roughness of the pruinosity and the complex refractive indices of the wax and the odonatan cuticle.
Physics and Astronomy
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
Item views 0
Full item downloads 0