Tailored assembly of colloidal particles: Alternative fabrication of photonic crystal or photonic glass

摘要

We demonstrate tailored assembly of colloidal particles in a glass cell. Photonic crystal or photonic glass is alternatively formed by changing the growth rate. The growth rate was controlled via the surrounding humidity. Thus, the two phases (photonic crystal and photonic glass) are formed adjacently and repetitively. Photonic characteristics specific to each phase are also obtained from the cell. The sequential formation process yields a system with unique properties suitable for functionalized optical device applications.