Reversible crosslinking density stimulated diffraction wavelength tuning of hydrogel-encapsulated crystalline colloidal arrays

Abstract

The reversible variation in the observed stop band of a hydrogel-encapsulated crystalline colloidal array was achieved through the selective formation and destruction of –S–Pb–S– linkages within the hydrogel. A reversible 45nm stop band shift could be achieved with a cyclical treatment of Pb2+ and then dithiothreitol solution.