METHOD OF SYNTHESIS OF 3D SILICON COLLOIDAL PHOTONIC CRYSTALS BY MICROMOLDING IN INVERSE SILICA OPAL (MISO)

摘要

A new type of synthetic silicon colloidal photonic colloidal crystal is described presenting a different topology than previously synthesised high refractive index contrast colloidal photonic crystals. It has been built using a new synthesis process based upon micromolding in inverse silica opals (MISO), where the micromold has a structure of interconnected air cavities in a silica matrix. By chemical vapour deposition of disilane within this micromold, a continuous and uniform silicon layer of controlled thickness is formed, which coats the walls of the silica matrix. Later, by dissolution of the starting silica micromold it is possible to oA new type of synthetic silicon colloidal photonic colloidal crystal is described presenting a different topology than previously synthesised high refractive index contrast colloidal photonic crystals. It has been built using a new synthesis process based upon micromolding in inverse silica opals (MISO), where the micromold has a structure of interconnected air cavities in a silica matrix. By chemical vapour deposition of disilane within this micromold, a continuous and uniform silicon layer of controlled thickness is formed, which coats the walls of the silica matrix. Later, by dissolution of the starting silica micromold it is possible to obtain a face centered cubic silicon colloidal photonic crystal with a topology never observed before and which presents a full photonic band gap, as indicated by theoretical photonic band structure calculations making them useful as optical components of envisioned all-optical microphotonic crystal devices, circuits, chips and computers.