Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences
Tohoku University

Double-inverse-opals, which are structures consisting of (mobile) colloidal particles within the voids of an inverse opal, are exciting, novel materials with potential in switchable optical applications, catalysis, and battery materials. So far, inverse opals have been shown to exhibit complete 3D photonic band gaps1. In order to achieve switchable optics, double-inverse-opals with mobile particles are required, which have not yet been fabricated.

In this research we aim to create these double-inverse-opal structures from several materials, tailored to their application. My main research relates to the interaction of light with double-inverse-opals. By controlling the mobility and position of highly scattering (mobile) particles within the voids of an index-matched inverse opal, the reflection intensity at certain wavelengths of light can be reversibly enhanced. This can be achieved with external fields, such as electric or magnetic fields2-4. In this way, fast-switching reflective color displays or 3D full photonic band gaps for optical computing are achievable. Additionally, double-inverse-opals made of materials such as silicon and carbon, as well as structures including catalytically active materials, could open opportunities for interesting collaboration with battery/catalysis groups.