Metallodielectric Opals of Layer-by-Layer Processed Coated Colloids

Ordered arrays of polystyrene colloids that are layer-by-layer coated with polyelectrolyte or polyelectrolyte/gold nanoparticle multilayers (see Figure and inside front cover) permit control over the peak position of the optical stop band of the assemblies through variation of the coating thickness and composition. The crystalline arrays made of polyelectrolyte multilayer-coated colloids can also be used for infiltration of gold nanoparticles.