Synthesis of Inverse Opal Photonic Crystals

You will find the full description of this activity at: education.mrsec.wisc.edu/synt...
Photonic crystals are periodic optical nanostructures that are designed to affect the motion of photons in a similar way that periodicity of a semiconductor crystal affects the motion of electrons.
Photonic crystals occur in nature and in various forms have been studied scientifically for the last 100 years. Inverse Opal Photonic Crystals are three-dimensional structures formed from self-assembly -- essentially a mixture of dielectric nano-spheres to settle from solution into three-dimensionally periodic structures possessing photonic band-gaps. (From: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photonic...)
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[@scurvyswine]

Would have been a good video if someone narrated it.

[@barbedwireisgood]

Well I recognized the magnetron for sputtering onto the surface and the scanning electron microscope for the images, but the video could use more information. I am not sure what the reagents used are but would love to try this myself! Very neat subject matter. I was just reading about photonic crystals about two weeks ago.

[@johnmadden9613]

This video seems to detail the reagents used for *their* process - and I see at least some overlap with this video. Worthwhile lead if you're interested :) th-cam.com/video/d7MvGFX_VKo/w-d-xo.html

[@neb6229]

I really wish this had something that says whats going on and the process. I wanted to learn how to make synthetic opal.

[@WisconsinMrsec]

Hi NEB! The video should have had a link to the full instructions in the description, but it was missing! I've updated the description with the link to the synthesis instructions, also here for convenience: education.mrsec.wisc.edu/synthesis-of-inverse-opal-photonic-crystals/

[@neb6229]

@@WisconsinMrsec thank you. Im really trying to do this at home possibly simplify the process. But there isnt much information out there.

[@koler796]

@@neb6229 did it work

[@neb6229]

@@koler796 I didnt try it because I couldnt find how to make ones the size I wanted

[@mysticdavestarotmachinesho5093]

I suppose the video could be less informative but I don't see how. The whole process is explained in the link but it seems a lot of expensive equipment was used for a completely useless result. Anybody ever publish Len Cram's electrolyte?

[@ahmetunverdi8248]

polymethacrylate spheres have another name please help where can i find them

[@georgegreen3672]

Why some parts are constituted of nanospheres and some parts are constituted of inverse structure? I am confused, at last few seconds, after nanospheres disappear (seems like corrosion by HF?), what material left(seems not SiO2)? TEOS is useful to connect nanosphere each other I think.

[@CAPTAINCAPSLOCK111]

You think wrong. TEOS is to make the silica nanospheres themselves, not to order them. As for opal, the ordering occurs by self-allignment due to gravity and molecular forces.

[@MrDodgEtv]

very nice. but can you make opal pieces that aren't crumbling to bits like that?
and are your spheres of equal size?
It would be great if you spoke during the video it would be more entertaining, !

[@2degucitas]

Some companies stabilize the dried result with resin.

[@shhhshhhh9201]

What chemical and powder was used?

[@WisconsinMrsec]

You can find the full written description with all the supplies here: education.mrsec.wisc.edu/synthesis-of-inverse-opal-photonic-crystals/

[@vahagnmelikyan2906]

So how are natural opals made? Why are there clam opals?

[@shrikantpatil3924]

Natural opal is made when silica permeates organic biomass, as the silica permeates the biomass it forms sperical particles of uniform shape. With hydrostatic pressure, the particles arrange themselves in a lattice structure. This alignment of silica nanospheres leaves triangular hollow space between the sphere. This is how opals are naturally made, the triangular space acts like a reverse prism that causes the play of colors in opal

[@tammyfriend16]

Clam opals? You mean pearls?

[@lacomestephane3383]

@@tammyfriend16 , Non , il veut dire des Palourdes Fossiles , Opalisées de l'age de 125000000 D'années
approximativement

[@crazyguysadvice]

how about add some narration / voice explaining? Why do scientists always produce such lousy videos lol...