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Abstract This work investigates the polarization state of light diffracted from uncoated and gold‐coated InP nanowire photonic crystal arrays grown by selective area epitaxy. Experimental data and finite‐difference time‐domain simulations show that both the intensity and the ellipticity of the polarization state of the diffracted light beam can be controlled by the nanowire dimensions and gold coating, while the diffracted angle remains unchanged with respect to variations of these parameters. A nominally 10 nm‐thick gold film deposited around the nanowires enhances the diffraction intensity by plasmonic effects. These results demonstrate that the controlled conversion of incident linearly polarized light to circularly polarized or rotated linearly polarized diffracted light can find applications in photonic integrated circuits. The high sensitivity of the polarization state with respect to alterations of the nanowire dimension opens new prospects in the areas of semiconductor metrology and microchip inspection as well as for submicron particle detection.
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This content will become publicly available on February 1, 2026
Polarized vision in the eyes of the most effective predators: dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata)
Abstract Polarization is a property of light that describes the oscillation of the electric field vector. Polarized light can be detected by many invertebrate animals, and this visual channel is widely used in nature. Insects rely on light polarization for various purposes, such as water detection, improving contrast, breaking camouflage, navigation, and signaling during mating. Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) are highly visual insects with polarization sensitivity for water detection and likely also navigation. Thus, odonates can serve as ideal models for investigating the ecology and evolution of polarized light perception. We provide an overview of the current state of knowledge concerning polarized light sensitivity in these insects. Specifically, we review recent findings related to the ecological, morphological, and physiological causes that enable these insects to perceive polarized light and discuss the optical properties responsible for the reflection of polarized light by their bodies and wings. Finally, we identify gaps in the current research and suggest future directions that can help to further advance our knowledge of polarization sensitivity in odonates.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2002432
- PAR ID:
- 10609325
- Publisher / Repository:
- The Science of Nature
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- The Science of Nature
- Volume:
- 112
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 0028-1042
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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