Peacock Feathers Can Be Lasers

Peacock tail feathers possess a hidden ability to produce laser light. Researchers discovered tiny reflective structures within the feathers that can amplify light. After dyeing the feathers and exposing them to an external light source, they emitted faint yellow-green laser beams. This study marks the first instance of a laser cavity being identified in the animal kingdom. Scientists already understood peacock feathers exhibit structural color through microstructures reflecting specific light frequencies. However, the researchers investigated if these microstructures could also function as a laser cavity. Using laboratory instruments, they detected laser light emanating from the feathers' eyespots. Surprisingly, different colored regions of the eyespots emitted the same laser wavelengths. While peacocks likely do not use this laser emission, the finding has implications for identifying regular microstructures in biomaterials. This could aid in classifying objects like viruses for medical applications and inspire bio-safe lasers for medical uses.