Topological and Optical Properties of Passeriformes’ Feathers: Biological UV Reflector Antenna

Abstract

This manuscript explores the topological and optical properties of a Passeriformes bird feather. Inside the feather, the layers of keratin and melanin are responsible for light reflection, transmission, and absorption; notably, the miniature composition of melanosome barbules plays a crucial role in its reflective properties. We adopted a multilayer interference model to investigate light propagation throughout the Passeriformes plume. As a result, we obtained all necessary simulated results, such as resonance band, efficiency, and electromagnetic radiation patterns of the Passeriformes plume, and they were verified with the experimental results reported in the literature study regarding light reflectivity through its internal geometry. Interestingly, we discovered that the interior structure of the Passeriformes plume functions similarly to a UV reflector antenna.