Electric-field-assisted self-assembly of colloidal particles

Abstract

A method for formation of photonic crystals has been proposed. The method is based on convective deposition of colloidal particles onto vertical substrates in the presence of a direct-current electric field directed perpendicular to the surface of the formed film and an alternating-current electric field applied parallel to the substrate plane. The structure and optical properties of the prepared colloidal crystals have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy, high resolution small-angle X-ray diffraction, and optical spectroscopy.