Micro-patterning of 3D colloidal photonic crystals via solvent-assisted imprint lithography

Scalable patterning of photonic crystals is critical in building advanced photonic devices. In this communication, we applied solvent-assisted imprinting technique to define the patterns of pre-formed colloidal photonic crystal (CPC) films. The minute solvent within the PDMS stamp along with the conformal pressure partially melts and relocates the polymers, thereby forming large-scale micropatterns in the CPC.