Butterlfly IR sensors




PhysicsCentral: Podcasts show

Summary: The Morpho Sulkowsky butterfly uses its flashy iridescent wings to attract attention, but humans could use those wings in applications ranging from homeland security to medical imaging. Researchers at the General Electric Global Research Center attached carbon nanotubes to real Morpho butterfly wings, and used the resulting structures as infrared (IR) light sensors, which have applications in medicine, science, environmental sustainability and the military, to name a few.