More direct evidence of the fcc arrangement for artificial opal

We present a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation of artificial opals prepared by the sedimentation of suspension with sub-micrometer silica spheres. An analysis of the SEM images confirms that the fee stacking is the most stable phase for the artificial crystals. Optical diffraction and transmission spectrum indicate a good alignment of the top (111) crystal plane. We also show that defects and dislocations of opal crystals are caused mainly by the irregular spheres. Slow sedimentation and uniform size of silica spheres may be the key factors for growing high quality opal crystals. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.