Peacock Feathers Are Stunning. They Can Also Emit Laser Beams

"Peacock feathers can emit laser light when dyed multiple times, marking the first example of a biolaser cavity in the animal kingdom."

"The bright iridescent colors in peacock feathers and butterfly wings arise from structured nanostructures rather than pigment molecules."

"Photonic crystals, like those in peacock feathers, are precisely ordered to block certain wavelengths of light while allowing others to be visible."

"Understanding the natural growth of photonic crystal structures could lead to advancements in designing new manmade materials."

Peacock feathers are admired for their bright colors, which result from structured nanostructures rather than pigments. The periodic nanostructures of the barbules create iridescence, while these structures are examples of photonic crystals. Photonic crystals can block and allow varying wavelengths of light based on their structure. The way colors are perceived does not depend on viewing angle. Learning more about these naturally occurring structures could enhance the design of new materials.

Read at WIRED