Insect inspires LED technology

Photuris lucicrescens  (Photograhper: Bruce Marlin) 

Scientists from Canada, France and Belgium have increased the amount of light released from LEDs (Light-emitting diode) by 55 percent. The discovery is from the abdomen of Photuris firefly, where there are serrated scales which enhance the glow emitted. These structures decrease internal reflections, causing more light to escape. This adaptation is beneficial for the fireflies because more light means being more attractive to mates.

Firelfy scales

Light produced by LEDs faces the same challenge as light from the abdomen of a firefly. Much of the light is reflected back into the device reducing the efficiency of LEDs. Scientists were able to recreate the fireflies serrated surface and overlay it on a LED increasing the emitted light by 55 percent.

This technology would not only help save energy, but also shows that much of our technology can be improved by studying mechanisms and structures that already exist in nature.

Source:
MIT Technology Review

ALE Lab Research in the SEEDS Progress Report

SEEDS: The OARDC Research Enhancement Competitive Grants Program supports projects that are managed by both Faculty and Students. SEEDS give scientists an opportunity to collect preliminary data needed to compete for larger national grants.

The ALE lab has received funding from SEEDS for many of our projects. Recently our lady beetle work was in the SEEDS annual progress report. (Click the picture to zoom in)

Hiding from the heat

If you look closely you can see three striped cucumber beetles hiding from the summer heat in a squash flower. We are counting cucumber beetles on squash and melons at a field site at OARDC hoping to learn more about different methods to decrease pests and disease in those crops.