Generating Metamaterial, inspired by the motion control of an Aphid’s leg

Metamaterials have made the exotic control of the flow of electromagnetic waves possible, which is difficult to achieve with natural materials.

In recent years, the emergence of functional metadevices has shown immense potential for the practical realization of highly efficient photonic devices. However, complex and heterogeneous architectures that enable diverse functionalities of metamaterials and metadevices, have been challenging to realize because of the limited manufacturing capabilities of conventional fabrication methods.

In this research, it was discovered that three-dimensional (3D) modular transfer printing can be used to construct diverse metamaterials in complex 3D architectures on universal substrates, which is attractive for achieving on-demand photonic properties. This study is inspired by Dry-adhesion Control of the leg of an Aphid, which climbs walls without sticky materials and moves upside down on plant stems.

By Dry-adhesion Control, Aphids can regulate the attractive force between leg and object without any restriction. As described in picture 1, the surface area of the leg that is touching the object can be maximized or minimized, depending on the blood pressure of the back of the leg. In this research, a rubber stamp is designed and made to work in a similar manner with that of this insects’ leg motion. As seen picture 2, the rubber stamp with a sharp end can print anything easily due to a minimized surface area (adhesion-off) between metamaterials and the rubber stamp. Metamaterial can be removed from the maximized surface area (adhesion-on) if the sharp end crumbles.

This method provides a fascinating route to generate flexible and stretchable 2D/3D metamaterials and metadevices with heterogeneous material components, complex device architectures, and diverse functionalities.

About Research Laboratory of Biomimetic & Photonic Properties

The Research Laboratory of Biomimetic & Photonic Properties was established in 2014 as a part of SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT). Prof. SeungWoo Lee and 7 students of undergraduate and graduate levels are researching biomimetic by using ductile nanomaterial such as DNA origami/ polymers to create various light-material interactions and more.

The laboratory is pursuing the convergence of various academic knowledges, including chemical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, and chemistry.

We participate in the competition of biomimetic design at Harvard University, and several joint researches are in development with MIT, Harvard University, and Caltech.