Why in the News?
In a breakthrough, scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have found that teak leaf extract (Tectona grandis) could offer a natural, sustainable solution for laser protection.
About Optical Properties of Teak Leaf:
- Natural Composition: Teak leaves (Tectona grandis) contain natural compounds that can interact with strong laser light.
- Laser Blocking Ability: These compounds can block harmful laser rays while allowing normal light to pass, making them suitable for selective light filtering.
- Nonlinear Optics: This unique behaviour is called a nonlinear optical property, where a material responds differently to high-intensity light.
- Linear vs Nonlinear: In linear optics, the material’s response is directly proportional to the light’s intensity. In nonlinear optics, the response becomes non-proportional, especially under laser exposure.
Back2Basics: Teak as Timber in India
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Recent Breakthrough:
- New Discovery: Scientists discovered that teak leaf extract can function as a natural laser shield.
- Protection Potential: The extract can block high-intensity laser beams, offering protection to human eyes and sensitive optical devices.
- First of Its Kind: This marks the first known instance of a natural material exhibiting such laser-blocking properties.
Significance for Humans:
- Practical Applications: It can be used in laser safety goggles, optical sensors, and other light-sensitive technologies.
- Safe Alternative: It offers a non-toxic, eco-friendly substitute to chemical-based laser protection materials.
- Sustainability Impact: The use of plant-based materials supports cost reduction and promotes sustainable innovation in science and optics.
| [UPSC 2015] In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?
Options: (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest* (b) Tropical rain forest (c) Tropical thorn scrub forest (d) Temperate Forest with grasslands |
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