Antifogging properties and mechanism of micron structure in Ephemera pictiventris McLachlan compound eyes

An antifogging function surface with simple structure and suitable for large-area production was found inspired by Ephemera pictiventris McLachlan compound eyes. The compound eyes structure, antifogging properties and mechanism were studied by anti-fog test, dyeing test and scanning electron microscopy, and so forth. Then, 3D model of the sample was established, and the antifogging mechanism was explained by the Cassie model. Results showed that the compound eyes are composed of hundreds of micron size ommatidia arranged in curved array form, and this structure shows excellent antifogging function. This research may provide new ideas for design of simple structure and micron size antifogging function surface. This work is also expected to be applied to antifogging function surface of astronaut helmets and medical endoscopes, and so forth.