Refractive index variation in nonaqueous sterically stabilized copolymer particles

We present procedures for preparing sterically stabilized polymer particles whose refractive index can br controlled over a range of a few percent. Particle sphericity and size distribution are such that suspensions crystallize al high concentrations. This al least ensures that Brownian motion dominates over particle settling and that the polydispersity is no more than about 10%. Of particular interest are new particles comprising poly(methylmethacrylate-co-trifluoroethylacrylate) that can be optically matched in single solvent, namely cis-decalin.