Of moth eyes and butterfly wings: how nature inspires modern optics

Why do butterfly wings shimmer in bright colours? How do nocturnal moths manage to make the most of even the faintest light? And how can researchers harness the ingenious design principles of insect eyes, lotus leaves and bones to improve cameras, anti-reflective surfaces or space mirrors?

Over the course of evolution, nature has developed astonishing solutions for dealing with light. Their secret often lies in tiny structures that specifically direct, reflect or allow light to pass through almost unimpeded.

The lecture takes the audience on a journey of discovery from fascinating natural phenomena to modern optical technologies. Using illustrative examples, it demonstrates how researchers are deciphering nature’s design principles and applying them to technical applications: from high-performance cameras and low-reflection, self-cleaning surfaces to exceptionally lightweight optical systems for space travel.