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How cool is this!?
http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/08/21/natural.fiberoptics.ap/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/08/21/natural.fiberoptics.ap/index.html
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"Unbelievable Natural Fibre Optics" is a term used to describe the amazing ability of certain natural fibers, such as spider silk and mussel byssus, to conduct light and create optical structures without the need for any artificial materials.
Natural fibers have unique structures that allow them to guide and reflect light. For example, spider silk has a core of crystalline proteins that are surrounded by an outer layer of amorphous proteins. This combination of crystalline and amorphous structures allows for the efficient transmission of light.
Natural fibers have evolved over millions of years to have optimized structures for conducting light. They are also biodegradable and biocompatible, making them environmentally friendly and safe for use in medical applications. Additionally, natural fibers are often stronger and more flexible than artificial materials, allowing for a wider range of applications.
The potential applications of natural fiber optics are vast and diverse. They can be used in creating more efficient solar panels, enhancing the quality of medical imaging, developing advanced communication technologies, and even creating new types of clothing with built-in lighting features.
While natural fibers have many advantages, there are also challenges in using them for optics. One major challenge is the difficulty in mass-producing natural fibers, as they are often produced by living organisms. There is also a need for more research and development to fully understand and harness the potential of natural fiber optics.