Patent ID: 6858079
Filing Date: 2005-02-22
Classification: B82Y,C30B,G02B

Abstract:
1. A method for manufacturing a large sphere planar opal, the method comprising the steps of: (a) synthesizing monodisperse silica spheres, wherein each of the silica spheres has a diameter greater than or equal to about 400 nanometers and whrein the synthesizing step includes preparing a colloidal solution of the monodisperse silica spheres; (b) purifying the silica spheres; and (c) self-assembling the silica spheres into a plurality of ordered, planar layers on a substrate, wherein the self-assembling step includes sweeping meniscus of the colloidal solution across the substrate so as to provide self-assembly of e planar opal by capillary forces and wherein the meniscus is swept across the substrate by moving a sharp edge, tip, or blade, which is in close proximity to the substrate and in contact with e colloidal solution of silica spheres, across the substrate.