Symmetry control of polymer colloidal monolayers and crystals by electrophoretic deposition onto patterned surfaces

Colloidal crystals with body-centered cubic packing (see Figure) can be fabricated by electrophoretic deposition of charged latex particles onto patterned surfaces. Laser-interference lithography produces SiO2 layers patterned with controlled symmetry that can then be used to control the orientation and symmetry of colloidal monolayers and crystals deposited onto the electrodes.