Multidimensional Resonance Controlled by Critical Size in Printed Binary Colloidal Crystals for High-Contrast Imaging

Abstract

Colloidal crystal engineering enables the precise construction of structures with remarkable properties. However, the flexible and synergistic regulation of multiple properties of colloidal crystals remains a significant challenge. Here, we inspire from Brazilian opals to self-assemble polymer nanoparticles in the gaps of a single-layer opal substrate to fabricate large-scale binary colloidal crystals (BCCs). These BCCs have well-defined sizes, compositions, and dimensions, of which the crystallization process is finely controlled by the Marangoni flow. Notably, we find a critical size for the simultaneous and independent regulation of their lattice resonance wavelength and intensity, forming a full-color palette. Moreover, these BCCs as optical coatings allow for high-contrast imaging of microbials, benefiting from strong spatial confinement. Compared to glass in clinical smearing, they have an order of magnitude improvement in chromatism without dyeing. This work demonstrates that BCCs hold great potential in creating multifunctional devices for various applications including information display, biological detection, and optical imaging.