Dimer-Based Three-Dimensional Photonic Crystals

The self-assembly of polystyrene dimer- and spherocylinder-shaped colloids is achieved via controlled drying on glass and silicon substrates. 3D monoclinic colloidal crystal structures are determined from scanning electron microscopy images of sections prepared using focused ion-beam (FIB) milling. Full photonic bandgaps between the eighth and ninth bands are found for a systematic range of colloidal dimer shapes explored with respect to the degree of constituent lobe fusion and radius ratio. The pseudogap between bands 2 and 3 for spherocylinder-based monoclinic crystals is also probed using normal incidence reflection spectroscopy.