Introduction
Nature is full of creatures that use highly sophisticated optical mechanisms beyond what we might imagine. Recent research has shown that the cuttlefish Doratosepion andreanum communicates during courtship using remarkably subtle polarization signals.
Are Cuttlefish Arms Shaped by Optical Physics?
During courtship, males display two long ornamented arms that produce polarized patterns to attract females. The muscle tissue in these arms is optically active—more precisely, circularly birefringent—so it rotates the direction of linear polarization as light passes through.
Remarkably, the arms appear to stop growing wider when they reach the width that rotates the polarization direction by 90°, approximately 3.9 mm. At this width, the signal creates the strongest contrast against the horizontally polarized underwater background. In other words, the animal’s body itself is optically optimized to produce an effective visual signal.
Optimized Polarization from Luceo
Luceo’s flagship POLAX polarizing plates and RETAX wave plates are designed to control polarization and rotate the direction of polarized light. By combining these components, we also supply circularly polarizing plates for a wide range of research and development applications.
- Custom-made from a single piece: We manufacture and sell non-standard sizes and specifications from a single unit, for applications ranging from microscopy and astronomical observation to specialized experiments.
- High durability and reliable quality: Luceo-brand films are laminated between high-quality optical glass substrates such as BK7 using proven bonding technology, delivering excellent optical performance and reliability.
- Broad wavelength coverage: We support visible wavelengths from 400 nm as well as special near-infrared and infrared ranges up to 1600 nm, depending on the required specification.
Contact Us
Just as the cuttlefish adjusts the width of its arms to create an optimal signal, every optical design requires polarization optimized for its intended application.
In addition to supplying optical components, Luceo offers measurement services. Simply send us your samples, and our specialists will evaluate them and recommend a suitable solution.
Do you need a circularly polarizing plate for a special wavelength, or a custom part in inch-based dimensions? Please feel free to contact us.
Figure source: Tokyo University of Science press release, May 18, 2026: “Light Constraints Shape Body Form—Growth of the Ornamented Arms of the Andrea Cuttlefish into a Shape Optimized for Generating Polarization Signals”.
Related paper: A. Nakayama et al., “Optical constraints shape a polarized sexual ornament in cuttlefish,” Journal of Experimental Biology, 229(9), 2026.
High-performance polarizing plates tailored to your requirements—available from a single piece!
★ Polarizing Plate POLAX
Custom-made polarizing plates are available.
Constant retardance across a broad wavelength range!
★ Super Broadband Waveplate SB-RETAX
Custom specifications are available.
Support for visible wavelengths from 400 nm, as well as near-infrared and infrared wavelengths up to 1600 nm!
★ Circularly Polarizing Plate
Custom-made products are available.
Evaluate residual stress in glass and molded resin products!
★ Fully Automatic StrainEye LSM-9002LE
Luceo’s proven technology and expertise support your requirements!
★ Custom Optical Sensor Systems and Lens Units
NEW: One-stop measurement and evaluation of optical filters, glass, and resin products—just send us your samples!
Contact Us: https://luceo.co.jp/en/contact-us/