Parametric modeling of photonic crystals in feathers of birds

The photonic crystals that occur naturally in feathers of some species of birds involving structural type of coloration from the perspective of optical applications are investigated. A parametric 3D model of the photonic crystal composed of solid cylindrical melanosomes embedded in keratin matrix for studying how the geometry of the structure relates to optical properties was developed. Potentially the key features embedded by nature into the design of the photonic crystals in bird’s feathers can be successfully technically utilized for sensing application in optical wave range. The possible sensing appliances of this type might advance regarding to low power consumption, high sensitivity, small dimensions etc.