Drawing inspiration from biological optical systems

H. D. Wolpert

doi:10.1117/12.823851

21 August 2009 Drawing inspiration from biological optical systems

H. D. Wolpert

Proceedings Volume 7401, Biomimetics and Bioinspiration; 740103 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.823851
Event: SPIE NanoScience + Engineering, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Bio-Mimicking/Bio-Inspiration: How can we not be inspired by Nature? Life has evolved on earth over the last 3.5 to 4 billion years. Materials formed during this time were not toxic; they were created at low temperatures and low pressures unlike many of the materials developed today. The natural materials formed are self-assembled, multifunctional, nonlinear, complex, adaptive, self-repairing and biodegradable. The designs that failed are fossils. Those that survived are the success stories. Natural materials are mostly formed from organics, inorganic crystals and amorphous phases. The materials make economic sense by optimizing the design of the structures or systems to meet multiple needs. We constantly "see" many similar strategies in approaches, between man and nature, but we seldom look at the details of natures approaches. The power of image processing, in many of natures creatures, is a detail that is often overlooked. Seldon does the engineer interact with the biologist and learn what nature has to teach us. The variety and complexity of biological materials and the optical systems formed should inspire us.

Citation Download Citation

H. D. Wolpert "Drawing inspiration from biological optical systems", Proc. SPIE 7401, Biomimetics and Bioinspiration, 740103 (21 August 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.823851

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