Role of surface features of butterfly wings in optical properties characterization

This study describes mathematical and theoretical substantiation of correlation between surface features of butterfly wings and characterization of their optical properties. The optical properties are defined both by chemical composition and structure of the material. Wings morphology of some butterfly species is responsible for their coloration. The morphology of wings with bright blue and deep black color were studied by atomic force microscopy in semi-contact mode. The images show quasi-ordered nano- and micro-structures. The statistical histograms of this feature heights are similar for the surfaces of the same color even for different species of butterflies. This fact proves the correlation between wings morphology and its coloration. The results would be useful for surface preparation with superior optical properties and for coatings fabrication with angle dependent colors.