The present invention is related to photonic crystal devices that comprise novel mesoscopic periodic materials which comprise polymerized crystalline colloidal arrays (CCA) and at least one photosensitive component. Preferably, the photosensitive component is a photochromic molecule and more preferably the component is an azobenzene derivative. Methods for making these devices are also disclosed. The devices of the present invention are useful in many applications including, for example, optical switches, display devices and memory storage devices. The devices of the present invention permit the possibility to write with ultraviolet light and erase with visible light. In addition, the present invention is related to a functionalized polymerized crystalline colloidal array which preferably comprises reactive epoxide groups. The present invention is further directed to a photosensitive polymerized crystalline colloidal array. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to azobenzene derivatives which have improved water solubility.
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