Adaptive evolution and early diversification of photonic nanomaterials in marine diatoms.

ABSTRACT: The discovery of natural slab photonic crystals in diatoms has sparked questions regarding their prevalence and functional role in nature. These advanced nanomaterials open so-called photonic stopbands in two dimensions, enabling precise light manipulation essential in technologies like quantum computing and photonics. However, the natural role of these advanced properties remains a mystery. In this study, we adopted a multidisciplinary approach, combining taxonomic, evolutionary, and photonic property analyses. Using scanning electron micrographs, we examined the girdle elements of the silicon dioxide shell from several hundred diatom species to explore the potential correlation between occurrence of slab photonic crystals and taxonomic relationship. Girdle slab photonic crystals emerged

SUBMITTER: Ashworth MP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11845468 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature