A set of multifunctional equipment for deposition of colloidal photonic crystal films and monolayers

Abstract

It is impossible to obtain colloidal photonic crystal film of given properties without special equipment. In order to minimize the influence of external disturbing influences such devices should be automated. To obtain large-area or hetero structures it is rational to combine in one universal device equipment for the implementation of several depositional methods. In this paper the authors present two automated devices for both special and universal purposes. They can be used to obtain films and monolayers by vertical lifting of the substrate from the colloidal suspension, vertical deposition by pumping out the suspension, electrophoresis and Langmuir-Blodgett technique and its combinations.