Scientists in the US have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding how cephalopods, such as squid and octopus, change the color of their skin. Using a microscopy technique called holotomography, researchers found that the tuneable optical properties of squid skin stem from winding columns of platelets in certain cells. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the development of adaptive camouflage, multispectral displays, and other technologies that exploit multilayered Bragg reflectors.
Forecast for 6 months: Expect to see increased research and development in the field of structural coloration, with potential applications in camouflage technology and multispectral displays. Companies may start investing in this area, leading to breakthroughs in materials science and engineering.
Forecast for 1 year: Within the next year, we can expect to see the first commercial applications of structural coloration technology, such as adaptive camouflage for military or civilian use. Additionally, researchers may make further breakthroughs in understanding the properties of Bragg reflectors and their potential uses.
Forecast for 5 years: In the next five years, structural coloration technology is likely to become more widespread, with applications in various industries such as fashion, aerospace, and medicine. We may also see the development of new materials and technologies that exploit the principles of Bragg reflectors.
Forecast for 10 years: By the end of the decade, structural coloration technology is likely to have transformed various industries, with widespread adoption in fields such as fashion, aerospace, and medicine. We may also see the development of new technologies that combine structural coloration with other advanced materials and technologies.
