Silicon Material that Changes Color When Stretched Developed at UC Berkley

A new ultra-thin material that can change color when flexed has been developed by researchers at University of California in Berkley.

According to Discovery News, the material, a film of silicon thousand times thinner than human hair, relies on a phenomenon called structural coloration to change color when stretched or flexed. The film contains rows of tiny ridges etched on it, which are smaller in size than wavelength of light. The spacing between the ridges change as the material is flexed, thus leading to reflections of varied wavelengths.

"We were fascinated by the chameleon's ability to change colors, and the process of mimicking their skin has been exciting. The coolest thing is that you can hold the sample film and stretch it to see the colorful effect," said Connie Chang-Hasnain, a professor of electrical engineering and computer sciences in a news release.

Daily Mail reported that the material is easy to manufacture and reflects 83 percent of the incoming light. Potential applications for the new material besides camouflage include use as sensors on structures like buildings and bridges to reveal changes or damage. The material can also find application in entertainment.

The study has been published in the journal Optica.