Ordered Arrays of large latex particles organized by vertical deposition

A simple preparation method of ordered multilayer films of submicrometer- and micrometer-sized monodisperse latex particles in the broad range of 0.2-2.5 mum is reported. The films were prepared from aqueous suspensions by vertical deposition at elevated temperatures. Both hydrophobic polystyrene and hydrophilic core-shell particles allowed good array formation. Three-dimensional lattices were proved by transmission and reflectance vis-NIR-IR spectroscopy. Well-developed Bragg peaks up to 5000 nm have been registered. An observation of Fabry-Perot resonance signals in the spectra also confirms the good array quality. Optical properties of the gratings were investigated by laser diffraction and by diffraction using an optical microscope equipped with a Bertrand lens.