Polystyrene latex spheres were obtained by free-emulsifier polymerization of styrene. Suspension was characterized by Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and were observed to be monodisperse with sizes around 463 nm. A vertical deposition method was used in order to prepare films deposited on glass slides from the spheres suspension. High-quality opal-like films were obtained and characterized by Reflectance Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Optical Microscopy.
latex spheres; 3D films; colloidal crystals and optical devices
