Abstract

Many concepts for the realization of photonic elements that are unique in their design, material composition and fabrication strategies can be identified by taking a careful look at nature’s light manipulation strategies. By exploring design concepts found in biological photonic systems, versatile approaches for the creation of multifunctional, hierarchically structured, dynamic bio-inspired material systems can be identified. Here we present a choice of material systems and devices that employ bio-inspired photonic architectures, implemented in soft, and fluid materials, with tunable and stimuli-responsive behavior.

© 2017 Optical Society of America