Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: Iwonda on 25/11/2022 05:02:29

Title: What is the smallest colored structured known?
Post by: Iwonda on 25/11/2022 05:02:29

Just a bit curious here, what are the smallest structured known to science that can display bold beautiful colors?

Title: Re: What is the smallest colored structured known?
Post by: Kryptid on 25/11/2022 06:30:20

I'm guessing (possibly naively?) that it's on a similar size level to the smallest wavelength of visible light, which is around 400 nanometers, if I recall correctly.

Title: Re: What is the smallest colored structured known?
Post by: Bored chemist on 25/11/2022 10:41:12

In principle, a single atom can be coloured.
A layer of ink thinner than the wavelength of light would usually be visible.