Inspired by the structure of moth eyes, researchers at North
Carolina State University have developed nanostructures that limit reflection
at the interfaces where two thin films meet, suppressing the “thin-film
interference” phenomenon commonly observed in nature. This can potentially
improve the efficiency of thin-film solar cells and other optoelectronic
devices.
Thin-film interference occurs when a thin film of one
substance lies on top of a second substance. For example, thin-film
interference is what causes the rainbow sheen we see when there is gasoline in
a puddle of water.