Structural color is often seen in nature because of its intense vibrancy and non-diminishing color. The ability to alter the color and optical characteristics through variations in geometric structure or material properties can lead to highly tunable or responsive coloration with applications such as displays and sensors. We describe a mechanism and design principle for creating iridescent structural color with large angular spectral separation. Light traveling by different trajectories of total internal reflection along a concave optical interface can interfere to generate brilliant patterns of iridescent structural color. This effect is generated at interfaces with dimensions that are orders of magnitude larger than the wavelength of visible light and thus, as we demonstrate, is readily observed in systems as simple as water drops condensed on a transparent substrate. We exploit this phenomenon in more complex systems, including multiphase droplets, 3D patterned polymer surfaces, and solid micro-particles, to create patterns of iridescent color that are consistent with theoretical predictions.<br/>

Structural coloration by cascading total internal reflection and interference at microscale concave interfaces

2019 Spring National Meeting

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