Florida Poly student discovers peacock feathers emit laser light

A 20-year-old student at Florida Polytechnic University recently made a groundbreaking discovery in the world of laser physics alongside his professor. Anthony Fiorito, a senior majoring in engineering physics, found that peacock feathers have the unique ability to be used to create miniature lasers. By infusing the feathers with special fluorescent dye, they were able to emit laser light in specific, consistent colors.

Fiorito and his professor, Dr. Nathan Dawson, used a grant from the National Science Foundation to conduct their research. Originally working with tropical fish as an organic material for laser research, they stumbled upon the idea of using peacock feathers during their process of experimentation.

Describing the research process, Fiorito humorously shared how they were brainstorming different objects with structural color and landed on peacock feathers. After their discovery, the team meticulously collected data and confirmed the validity of their findings to ensure it wasn’t a one-time stroke of luck.

Their research was eventually published in the esteemed journal “Scientific Reports,” where scientists from various countries have been inspired by their work. Fiorito expressed his excitement about how nature provides a vast array of materials that can contribute to advancements in science across multiple fields.

Looking towards the future, Fiorito envisions the possibility of genetically modifying peacock feathers for use in lasers and optics, emphasizing the potential cost-effectiveness of utilizing biologically sourced materials for scientific applications. Upon graduation, he plans to pursue a master’s and a Ph.D. in physics to continue his exploration of the fascinating world of laser physics.

To dive deeper into Fiorito’s research, you can read the full article by clicking here.