Diffraction properties of ordered arrays of large latex particles

Ordered monolayer and multilayer films of monodisperse 0.2–6 μm latex particles were manufactured using different preparation techniques: Langmuir–Schafer deposition, natural sedimentation, slow drying in high humidity atmosphere, flow cell and vertical deposition. The structures of the films were investigated. Diffraction properties were studied using a laser beam as a probe and by the diffraction optical microscopy with Bertrand lens. For the first time, the stop-bands were observed in the NIR region up to 3200 nm in the reflectance spectra. The array quality is confirmed by the observation of Fabry–Perot fringes in the vicinity of the main Bragg peak. The size of ordered area was estimated by microscope spectroscopy and 2-D fast Fourier transformation (2D-FFT) of optical microscopic pictures.