Structural colors are a special kind of optical phenomenon, where the topography of a surface determines the reflected spectrum of light. In nature, structural colors are found among butterflies and beetles, such as the Morpho butterfly [1] seen in Figure 1, where a photonic crystal structure design given is responsible for the blue color effect. Inspired by nature, we work closely to together with a number of industrial partners, such as LEGO and FIAT, to design and manufacture different artificial nano-structures with new optical properties, such as structural color.

The ability to precisely measure the optical properties of a given sample is essential when developing new optical surfaces. Our laboratory facilities include a new experimental setup for angle-dependent reflectance and transmission measurements, comprising of several mechanical motors and optical components. However, the setup lacks software that is able to control the different components and automate measurements.

The goal of project is to develop new software for measuring optical properties of surfaces.  After the project, the students will have obtained a basic understanding of surface optics and gained experience with programing, development of user-friendly software, and laboratory work. Basic experience with MATLAB is required. 

During the project, the students will:

-          Study optical surfaces in general.

-          Analyze typical measurement situations.

-          Develop low-level functions to control the individual components of the setup using the MATLAB instrument toolbox and the Johnson coding-standard.

-          Based on the low-level functions, develop a command-line toolbox with functions to interact with the mechanical and optical components of the setup, such that routine measurements can be done automated.

-          Based on the developed functionality, develop the final graphical user interface (GUI) app with a clear focus on transparency and user-friendliness.

-          Perform testing of the developed code by reference and calibration measurements.

-          The reference measurements of various different samples will be compared to standard optical models of surfaces and optionally RCWA simulations.

[1] Chung, K., et. Al., Flexible, Angle-Independent, Structural Color Reflectors Inspired by Morpho Butterfly Wings. Advanced Materials, 2012. 24: p. 2375-2379.