Abstract

This research presents a systematic simulation framework using COMSOL Multiphysics to design and optimize photonic nanostructures for advanced optical applications. For structural colors, we established a 3D face-centered cubic photonic crystal model, revealing how key parameters (nanosphere size, refractive index) govern reflection peak wavelength and bandwidth, and proposed criteria for high color saturation. Simultaneously, for antireflection coatings, we investigated hollow silica particles (HSPs) and hybrid HSP/solid-silica systems on plastic substrates. An optimized bilayer of resin-anchored, size-graded HSPs was designed, achieving ultra-low average reflectance of 0.14% across the visible spectrum and maintaining performance up to 60° incidence. Furthermore, a simplified biomimetic nanosphere structure inspired by Morpho butterfly was proposed, achieving >99% reflectivity with wide bandwidth and weak angular dependence. These findings provide parametric guidance for the rational design of photonic crystals and antireflection coatings for sensing, displays, and energy-efficient optics.

Biography

X.H. Li earned her B.Sc. in Nuclear Physics from the Department of Modern Physics, Lanzhou University in 1998, and her Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics from Lanzhou University’s Magnetic Materials Institute in 2003. She subsequently conducted postdoctoral research at the Lanzhou Institute of Physics (2003-2006), focusing on the development of photoelectric detectors. Since 2006, she has been working at the School of Mathematics and Physics of Southwest University of Science and Technology. She has published nearly 100 papers in reputable journals.