We have statistically characterized the self-assembly of multi-layer polystyrene colloidal crystals, using the technique of vertical deposition, with parameters chosen to produce thick layers of self-assembled crystals in one deposition step. In addition, using a lithographically directed self-assembly method, we have shown that the size of multi-layer, continuous crack-free domains in lithographically defined areas can be many times larger than in the surrounding areas. In a single deposition step, we have produced continuous colloidal crystal films of 260 nm diameter polystyrene spheres approximately 30 -- 40 layers thick, with a controllable lateral size of 80 -- 100 \upmum without lithography, and as high as 250 \upmum with the lithographic template.
@article{arxiv.1302.5380,
title = {Statistical Characterization of Self-Assembled Colloidal Crystals by Single-Step Vertical Deposition},
author = {Tero J. Isotalo and Yao-Lan Tian and Mikko P. Konttinen and Ilari J. Maasilta},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1302.5380},
year = {2014}
}