UV scattering by pores in avian eggshells

M. Ladouce; T. Barakat; B.-L. Su; O. Deparis; S. R. Mouchet

doi:10.1117/12.2567915

21 August 2020 UV scattering by pores in avian eggshells

M. Ladouce, T. Barakat, B.-L. Su, O. Deparis, S. R. Mouchet

Proceedings Volume 11481, Light in Nature VIII; 114810G (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2567915
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2020, Online Only

Abstract

Eggshell is essential for the reproduction of birds. The optical properties of their shells may have an impact on biological functions such as heat and UV protection, recognition by the parents or camouflage. Whereas ultraviolet reflection by bird eggshells has been superficially described in the scientific literature, the physical origin of this phenomenon remains poorly understood. In this article, reflectance peaks in the near UV range were observed by spectrophotometric measurements of hen eggshells. In addition, electron microscopy imaging revealed the presence of pores within the so-called “calcified shell” part (i.e., between ca. 20 μm and ca. 240 μm deep from the outer surface). The average radii of these pores range from 120 to 160 nm. Mercury intrusion porosimetry allowed to highlight a distribution of pore radii around 175 nm. Numerical and analytical predictions using scattering theory indicate that these pores are responsible for the optical response observed in the UV range.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

M. Ladouce, T. Barakat, B.-L. Su, O. Deparis, and S. R. Mouchet "UV scattering by pores in avian eggshells", Proc. SPIE 11481, Light in Nature VIII, 114810G (21 August 2020); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2567915

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available