Control of the Photonic Crystal Properties of fcc-Packed Submicrometer SiO2 Spheres by Sintering

Abstract

Control of the optical properties of SiO2 colloidal photonic crystals through thermal treatment is reported. The optical properties, studied by light transmission and reflection, are shown to vary through structural and physicochemical modification of the material, without loss of order. The Figure is a scanning electron micrograph of the fcc crystalline {111} facet of a sample treated at 950°C.