Discovering nature's photonic devices to control light and heat

这个项目旨在发现甲虫和蝴蝶反射近红外光的方式和原因。近红外辐射的反射可能对防止过热至关重要，但其在热防护中的作用仍未得到充分研究。该项目将整合进化生物学、光学物理学和生物物理学，揭示近红外信号的多样性、机制、功能和进化。预期的结果包括发现自然对光学（伪装、通信）和热功能选择的解决方案。该项目将有显著的效益，例如创造机会开发仿生和生物启发材料，以提高能源效率，这将具有显著的经济和环境效益。

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.