How butterfly wings have inspired better infrared sensors

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To build a better infrared sensor, a team of scientists turned to the wings of a butterfly for inspiration.

  The group, led by Radislav Potyrailo, a principal scientist at General Electric, coated a butterfly wing with carbon nanotubes. The result was an infrared sensor that was more sensitive and had higher resolution than current models.

  What makes it work so well? The answer is a combination of the carbon nanotubes and the iridescence of the wing.  more...