Once again, scientists have been defeated by Nature. Turned out, that the components of the outer covers of a certain species of Brazilian beetle are almost ideal for components of super modern optical computers, bringing “LaserFocusWorld”. Scales that are part of the carapace of a small beetle of the species Lamprocyphus augustus, which is quite common in Brazil, show the properties of a material useful in future electronics, which scientists have been working on for years in laboratories around the world. When analyzing the microstructure of the outer shell of the beetle, using the most modern analytical equipment, namely the SEM scanning electron microscope (The. scanning electron microscope), scientists found, that the scales that make up the armor are made of approx 200 chitinous elements. Each of the scales is approx 200 micrometers in size, and the chitinous subunits that make it up are so arranged in relation to each other, that the light falling on them is selectively reflected, in a slightly different shade of green. The shape resembles a three-dimensional one (3D) diamond structure.
According to the researchers, 3D structure of scales, and thus their optical properties, they would be perfect for the production of elements of modern optical computers, if this material apart from reflecting light, it was also electrically conductive. However, American scientists are convinced, that synthetic material, which would be made entirely in the laboratory, like armor scales, Lamprocyphus augustus would be a perfect photonic electronic element. Once again it turned out, that Nature is years ahead of scientists!
