Anti-reflective properties of butterfly-wing-micro-nano structures in the infrared band

The delicate and intricate micro-nano structure on the surface of butterfly wings is genuinely remarkable. Despite its potential for anti-reflection purposes, this surface structure's theoretical analysis, optimal design, and anti-reflection performance regulation remain a mystery. The anti-reflection characteristics of butterfly Papilio epiphorbas, butterfly Parthenos syvia, and butterfly Sasakia charonda butterfly wings in the infrared band were carefully examined using finite difference time domain simulation and equivalent medium theoretical calculation. The anti-reflection mechanism of the surface micro-nano structure parameters and infrared wavelength of the butterfly wings of butterfly Papilio epiphorbas, butterfly Parthenos syvia, and butterfly Sasakia charonda were revealed. By Fourier infrared reflectance test and simulation of the three butterfly wings, the results show that the structural color scales of the three butterfly wings can achieve a better anti-reflection effect in the infrared band. The anti-reflection performance of the extracted bionic butterfly wings is improved by 0.34%, 2.44%, and 5.46%, respectively, compared with the original butterfly wings. These findings provide valuable theoretical and data support for the continued development of the design and manufacture of bionic anti-reflective surface optics.