METHOD FOR FORMING PHOTONIC CRYSTAL MATERIALS

摘要

A photonic crystal material having an inverse opal structure is formed by generating an array of particles on a first substrate, the array including interstices between the particles for the receipt of a matrix material. The particles are then bonded to each other so as to fix the relative positions of the particles. A matrix material is provided to at least partially fill the interstices. A second substrate is attached to the array such that the array is positioned between the first and second substrates. The position of the matrix material is then fixed with respect to the particles. Thereafter, at least one of the first or second substrates is detached from the array so as to expose a respective contact surface of the array. An agent is applied to the contact surface, said agent being adapted to remove material of the particles so as form the inverse opal structure.