Berlin 2024 – scientific programme
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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik
BP 15: Poster IIb
BP 15.21: Poster
Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 18:00–20:30, Poster F
Infrared optical and thermal properties of snail shells — •Natanja Elliger1, Bruno Gompf1, Heinz-R. Köhler2, and Martin Dressel1 — 11. Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany — 2Physiologische Ökologie der Tiere, Institut für Evolution und Ökologie, Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
Land snails of arid habitats endure intense sunlight for months without overheating although their body is surrounded by a closed shell with its aperture sealed, minimising possible evaporative cooling. The thermoregulation process that enables land snails to withstand high temperatures is yet unknown. In a systematic investigation, we study the relationship between the optical and infrared optical properties and the thermodynamic properties to the underlying nano-/microstructures of the shells. We employ FTIR reflection measurements as well as absorption (photoacoustic) measurements in the Mid-IR to VIS spectral range on snails from different habitats. Additionally, we perform scatterometry in the NIR to VIS spectral range to investigate the diffuse reflection and possible Lambertian behaviour. With the combination of these techniques, we hope to gain a thorough understanding of how snails keep their houses up to 10°C colder than the stones nearby.
Keywords: Infrared optical spectroscopy; Scatterometry; Biomaterials