Achieving structural white inspired by quasiordered microstructures in *Morpho theseus*

This paper investigates the structural whiteness in *Morpho theseus* butterfly scales, which are quasiordered and exhibit various tubular morphologies between tubular and gyroid structures. Numerical analysis, using a combination of periodic numerical frameworks and random elements, reveals the mechanism of broadband reflection responsible for the white color. Thermodynamic experiments demonstrate the scales' efficiency in reducing wing temperature under direct sunlight. The study provides a concise method for analyzing quasiordered structures and a numerical model to understand the performance improvement facilitated by these structural characteristics, guiding the design of nano-optical materials for cooling, camouflage, and photothermal conversion systems.

Xinkun Zhao, Yuqin Xiong, Wanlin Wang, Wang Zhang, Di Zhang