Engineering colloidal photonic crystals with magnetic functionalities

Wim Libaers, Branko Kolaric, Renaud A L Vallée, John E. Wong, Jelle Wouters, Ventsislav K. Valev, Thierry Verbiest, Koen Clays

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

An engineering approach towards combined photonic band gap properties and magnetic functionalities, based on independent nanoscale engineering of two different materials at different length scales, is conceptually presented, backed by simulations, and experimentally confirmed. Large (>200 nm) monodisperse nanospheres of transparent silica self-assemble into a photonic crystal with a visible band gap, which is retained upon infiltration of small (<20 nm) nanoparticles of magnetic iron oxide. Enhancing and tuning Faraday rotation in photonic crystals is demonstrated.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)13-19
Number of pages7
JournalColloids and Surfaces, A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
Volume339
Issue number1-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2009

Keywords

  • Faraday rotation
  • Maghemite
  • Magnetic colloids
  • Photonic crystals
  • Superparamagnetic

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