Animal Optics and Evolution
Scanning electron micrographs are used to distinguish and study novel optical devices in animals, mainly invertebrates. These are sub-micron structures that either strongly reflect light (appearing coloured, like a compact disc) or do not reflect any light at all, a condition that is quite unusual and often useful to animals. In fact the antireflector found on a fly's eye is now employed on solar panels to increase light, and consequently energy, capture.
The SEM is a necessary tool for determining the architecture and exact dimensions of such minute structures, often invisible under the light microscope. The SEM is also being used to locate structures that cause colour in fossils, and the EDS (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Detector) is proving a valuable means of identifying ancient colour pigments, up to 500 million years old.
The SEM micrographs of animal optical structures taken at the Australian Museum have appeared in numerous scientific, popular science and media publications. Some are featured in the 'Living Colour' exhibition at the Australian Museum. Such images are also used in regular lectures and workshops in Australia and Europe, given by Dr Andrew Parker.
Project contact
Andrew Parker
Further information
Animal Optics and Evolution website
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