Photonics-based eReader

I just read that the AmazonKindle is getting competition ... in color:

[The new Qualcom eBook] borrows the same elements that allow a butterfly’s iridescent wings to shimmer, using tiny flexible membranes that react to electrical charges, overlaid onto a mirrored surface. Light reflected back out through those membranes is refracted so that interfering wavelengths create colors, and because the membranes used are bistable, once they have been set to display a certain color they require virtually no power to maintain it, only if it needs to be changed. The system also needs no color filters, no strong backlighting to be visible in direct sunlight and no polarizing lenses.

More here.

Bombardier Beetles inspire new nebulizers and fuel injection systems

µMist™ via [epsrc]

IMG via utep

Butterfly Ornithopter

A stable, rubber powered flying robot, with a wing beat of 10 flaps per second. AMAZING!

[via Smart-machines]

Dr. Peter Vukusic

Something else of interest from Dr. Vukusic.



From BBC:
Cyphochilus beetle, brilliant whiteness from thin scales

Science Article:
Vukusic et al. 2007

Harvard Robobees

Harvard Robo"bees" (link), sadly their robobees don't sting.

Dynamic Architecture

Mantis Shrimp Eyes

Mantis Shrimp Eyes Might Inspire New High-Def Devices

In the marvelously sensitive eyes of mantis shrimps, scientists have found cells that could inspire an overhaul of humanity’s comparatively clumsy communications hardware.
More here ...