Discovering nature's photonic devices to control light and heat

该项目旨在发现甲虫和蝴蝶反射近红外光的方式和原因。近红外辐射的反射对于防止过热可能是至关重要的，但其在热保护中的作用在很大程度上仍未被探索。该项目将整合进化生物学、光学物理学和生物物理学，揭示近红外特征的多样性、机制、功能和进化。预期成果包括发现自然界的解决方案，以选择光学（伪装，通信）和热功能。该项目将产生重大效益，例如创造机会开发仿生和生物启发材料，以提高能源效率，这将产生重大的经济和环境效益。

This project aims to discover how and why beetles and butterflies reflect near-infrared light. Reflection of near-infrared radiation may be critical to prevent overheating, yet its role in thermal protection remains largely unexplored. The project will integrate evolutionary biology, optical physics and biophysics to reveal the diversity, mechanism, function and evolution of near-infrared signatures. Expected outcomes include the discovery of nature’s solutions to selection for both optical (camouflage, communication) and thermal functions. The project will have significant benefits such as creating opportunities to develop biomimetic and bioinspired materials to enhance energy efficiency, which will have significant economic and environmental benefits.