Tunable natural nano-arrays: Controlling surface properties and light reflectance

Abstract

In this study we report on natural nano-array structures we have found on certain species of cicada wings. We demonstrate that the reflective/transmission properties of these nano-structures can be tuned by a controlled removal of the structure height using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). As well, the purposeful manipulation of the structures can be used to alter the contact profile offered by the array. A different underlying chemistry can be also be exposed by removal of the membrane beyond the depth of the array structures.