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"Artificial Chameleon" Debuts in China - Wuhan University News

**Abstract:** A significant breakthrough in the field of biomimicry has been achieved by researchers from Sun Yat-sen University and Wuhan University in China, who have developed a mechanical chameleon capable of color-changing similar to its natural counterpart. This innovative device, which has been published in the journal *ACS Nano* by the American Chemical Society, uses an active localized surface plasmon (LSP) device composed of an array of gold nanoparticles to mimic the color-changing mechanism of real chameleons. Unlike the pigment-based color changes in many animals, natural chameleons alter their colors by adjusting the nano-photonic crystal structure on their skin, which changes the reflection of light. The Chinese scientists spent nearly two years working on this project. They 3D printed a chameleon model and covered it with a layer of gold nanoparticles, resembling the chameleon's scales. By applying voltage to these "scales," they can deposit or remove silver films of varying thicknesses on the gold nanoparticles, thereby altering the LSP properties and reflecting different wavelengths of light, which results in the color change. This method allows for a wide range of colors, covering almost the entire visible spectrum. To enable automatic color regulation, the researchers integrated red, green, and blue sensors into the mechanical chameleon's "eyes" and connected them to an embedded control system. When these sensors detect a specific color, they send signals to the computer, which then adjusts the voltage to the "scales" to match the detected color. The voltage levels and timing for each color change are pre-determined through experiments and stored in the system's programming, ensuring precise and rapid color adjustments. Previous attempts at creating artificial chameleon skin typically involved the injection of colored ink into elastic skin to mimic the color-changing abilities of other animals, such as cuttlefish. However, the new device offers a faster and broader color-changing capability. This advancement has potential applications in various fields, including the development of color-changing displays for e-books, which are currently mostly limited to black and white. The technology could also be adapted for military camouflage, enhancing the ability to blend into different environments. This research represents a significant step forward in the field of materials science and nanotechnology, demonstrating the potential for creating bio-inspired materials with unique optical properties. The project's success highlights the collaborative efforts between different academic institutions and the innovative use of 3D printing and nanotechnology to solve complex biological and engineering challenges.

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"Artificial Chameleon" Debuts in China - Wuhan University News | Trending Stories | HyperAI