Black thin layers generate strong structural colors: a biomimetic approach for creating one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystals

We report a simple, novel method for obtaining structurally colored films consisting of poly(1,2-butadiene) (PB) and Os multi-layers that mimic the surface structure of jewel beetle elytra. Strong color reflection was achieved by interference of light at the interface between the multi-layers. Active control of the reflection peaks was achieved by swelling the PB layers with solvent, and photopatterning of the composite film was also performed.