fabrication of tunable polystyrene photonic crystal using
TRANSCRIPT
GCNU Journal ISSN: 1858-6228م 1/6/2016 (19ع)،(5مج)جامعة النيلين - مجلة الدراسات العليا
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Fabrication of Tunable Polystyrene Photonic Crystal Using
Gum Arabic via Foam Reaction
Mubarak Mohammed Ahmed1, Hatim Mohammed Elkhair1,2
1Physics Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, Alneelain University
2College of Science, Imam Muhammad Ibin Saud Islamic University, KSA
Abstract
Polystyrene(PS)/ZnO/Gum Arabic photonic crystals, prepared by foam
reaction had exhibited tunable photonic band gap as being detected by
optical transmission experiments with slight shift as shown by the
transmission spectra ,such tunability might be attributed to the effect
formation caused by PS/ZnO volume fraction .
Keyword: Tunable Polystyrene Photonic crystals, Gum Arabic (GA), Polystyrene
colloidal crystal, Foam Reaction, Foam agent.
Introduction:
Photonic crystals (PCs) are inhomogeneous dielectric media with periodic
variation of the refractive index; photonic crystals have a photonic band gap,
which is the range of frequencies in which light cannot propagate through the
structure. Photonic crystals reflect light with a certain wavelength by the so
called photonic band gap effect. Because of this property photonic crystals can
be applied to various optical devices, for example beam splitter [1,2], micro
lasers resonators [3,4] etc.
Many fabrication methods, such as stacking by micromanipulation [5] and
layer by layer lithography [6-8] were studied by several groups, but these
methods have some difficulty in fabricating multi-layers and consume much
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time. Thus, the self assembly method [9] which is easier and simpler than
other methods has been widely studied. In this work self assembly was used,
because fabricating of photonic crystal need special material laboratory; but by
this method it can be done at any simple laboratory. Self assembly of colloidal
particles gives rise to an opal structure. The photonic crystals band structure
mainly depends on the lattice constants and the refractive indices of the
dielectrics. Some practical schemes have been reported that are based on the
concept of changing the lattice constants. Mechanically tunable photonic
crystals have been fabricated using elastic spheres, where the band gap can be
controlled by an external mechanical force [10], control of the spatial structure
has also been realized by taking advantage of the volume phase transition of
hydro-gels, where the photonic crystals band gap structure have been tuned
by controlling the temperature, the PH and ionic states [11-13]. In addition,
control of the photonic band structure has been also realized by utilized the
phase transition of colloidal crystal in solution, where the propagation of light
is forbidden, and can be tuned by using light [14]. These techniques have
disadvantaged that makes a structural change of these types on order of
micrometer dimensions magnitude, which resulting in difficulties in practical
applications. The techniques using nano-gels are proposed to resolve such a
problem [15] for that reason this work deal with Gum Arabic uses as hydro gel.
A colloidal particle are important in abroad range of technologies and in
processing of various materials including foods, ink, paints coating, cosmetic
and materials experimentally due to the variety of potential applications
afforded by the control of light propagation, including uses in optical
computing and telecommunication [16]. Researchers have taken two
approaches to construct a photo elastic material possesses a photonic band
gap material: the first is lithographic technologies similar to that used in
microelectronics manufacture, and the second is colloidal self-assembly of
spherical particles [17].
The self-assembly approach is promising due to its simplicity and low cost, but
colloidal crystals are three-dimensional periodic lattices assembled from
mono-dispersed spherical colloids, the beautiful and attractive iridescence
(opalescence) of natural opals, which diffract visible or near- infrared light. The
periodic structures have been actively explored as functional components in
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fabricating new types of diffractive devices such as filters and switches [18],
smart optical sensors [19] and photonic band gap structures [20].
Photonic crystals are fabricated using many materials. Traditional methods
such as lithography for fabrication of photonic crystals are expensive and
tedious, particularly for the photonic crystals that can be operated in the
optical frequencies such as visible and ultra violet (UV) region [18]. A number
of methods to obtain colloidal crystals on planar substrate have been reported
recently such as gravitational, sedimentation, physical confinement,
electrophoretic deposition, centrifugation, withdrawal and vertical deposition.
Benefited from the micro/nano fabrication technology; such as focused on
two-dimensional photonic crystal slabs [21-24]. There are still many studies on
the visible [25] and near infra-red [26] three dimensional photonic crystals,
these photonic crystals can be fabricated by hydro-dynamic flow method [27]
vertical deposition method, optical holography and so on. Among these
methods of fabricating 3D photonic crystal, the vertical deposition method is
more accepted due to the advantages of a lower cost and rapid production.
vertical deposition method has attracted great interest because it has
remarkable advantages over common self-assembly methods, such as gravity
sedimentation methods [28]. It is difficult to control the fabrication process of
photonic crystals in the sedimentation methods. Therefore, there are
numerous defects in photonic crystals [29]. In this work polymer material
which is polystyrene used to fabricate two dimension (2D), three dimension
(3D) opal photonic crystal due to the foam reaction for convective and
temperature gradient for polystyrene spherical beads, Gum Arabic is used as
stabilizer or emulsifier and bubbles size stabilizer during the reaction, Gum
Arabic possess a good chemical, mechanical properties and good bio-
compatibility [16]. Filling the voids of opal photonic crystal can change the
position of band gap of photonic crystal. Liu Ye ,et al (2008) synthesis the band
gap control in 3D polystyrene photonic crystal by vertical deposition .The
vertical deposition method is based on previous work by Nagayama and co-
workers in which the formation of colloidal mono-layers was studied the
cleaning substrate, and it was kept in vial containing aqueous solution of nano-
spheres, the vial temperature controlled in oven at 50oC for 4-5 days, for the
crystal growth polystyrene float on the water surface as the result lead to slow
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evaporation of water, polystyrene form self-assembled ordered layers on the
glass substrate [29] .
Choloong and co- workers (2009) was fabricated photonic crystal by using a
flow controlled vertical deposition (FCVD) method, they replaced peristaltic
pump with just an open hole at the bottom of the beaker. The optimum
surface drop velocity of polystyrene suspension for photonic crystal structure
with uniform surface [30].
Liu Ye et. al. (2008) fabricated 3D polystyrene opal photonic crystal by vertical
deposition method, a cleaning micro slides was dipped vertically into the vial
containing a colloidal suspension consist of polystyrene and de-ionized water.
The vial covered with a plastic film perforated with few holes to allow gases to
escape, the vial container kept in an oven with the constant temperature and
humidity. A. Chiappini and co-workers
(2009) used a simple and effective method based on spin coating technique
was developing to realize colloidal photonic crystal structure. The process
produces compact of 3D arrays of polystyrene micro-spheres opals [31], this
process offers the ability to rapidly form of 3D photonic crystal, using an
inexpensive instruments [32]. P. Nozar et. al (2003) studied the results of a
colloidal crystal growth by vertical deposition of nano-polystyrene beads on a
glass substrate under oscillatory shear [37], this technique was enable to study
early stage of growth of films as a function of a bead concentration in the
water suspension [33].
Hu Xiao-Yong et. al.(2004) they fabricated 3D polystyrene photonic crystal
using vertical deposition method. The fabrication of 3D photonic crystal using
this technique has attracted great interesting researcher; because it has
remarkable advantage over the common self-assembly methods: such as the
gravity sedimentation method, they also used polystyrene and water in a vial
controlled by covering the vial with plastic has holes in oven at 50 oC under
controlled temperature, they achieved high quality 3D photonic crystal [34]. A.
Yoyama and co- workers (2002) used Gum Tragacanth (GT), they found that GT
colloid was stabilized polystyrene latex particles due to the steric stabilization
mechanism, and this depends on PH of the solution [35].
In our work, Gum Arabic is used due to the foam reaction which is
exothermic reaction, for convective and temperature gradient for
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polystyrene beads, as to float up as bottom -up technique, the cleaning
substrate glass dipped vertically in the vial at room temperature. Polystyrene
was charged by sulfonation method, this sulfonation of polystyrene is used
by sulfuric acid in standard method for introduction strongly acidic cation
exchanging groups, and this reaction is simple in the case of cross-linking
copolymer styrene divinylbenzene particles used for production common ion
exchanger. Kucera and Jancar, because of the presence of relatively –SO3H
groups ,cross-linking reaction between the molecules of the sulfonated
produced occur [36], then polystyrene opal photonic crystal was fabricated,
the optical properties are studied , polystyrene have become an essential
part of modern science and technology; From simple plastic materials to
foam, liquid crystals and photonic materials renewable resources. Here in this
work a method for making thin films, inform of foam reaction due to the
colloidal of polystyrene latex to make self-assemble arrays of colloidal crystal
on glass substrate immersed vertically in vial container at room temperature.
Gum Arabic is used due to its characterizations, which are: high stabilizing
and emulsifying effect, and prevent the separation of heterogeneous
mixtures, as well as prevents the precipitation of insoluble particles [37].
Experimental Details:
Specific weight of polystyrene latex was dissolved in acetone as chosen
solvent. The solution subjected to a continuous steering. Then hydrogen
peroxide is added as a foam agent and followed by Zn++ solution, after white
foam was obtained; The PH of the reaction was chosen such that the foam
will continue rising. Glass slide ware cleaned by well known route ,the glass
slides ware immersed at tilting angle and kept for a few, then removed and
dried .After drying we detect the formation of Bragg reflections. The samples
ware collected and characterized by transmission spectra experiment using
1240 UV-Vis absorption spectra –photometer.
When the colloidal of polystyrene was putted in conical flask during the foam
reaction, after one day opal of polystyrene was made around the top neck of
the flask. For fabricating thin film, cleaning glass substrate is immersed in the
vial container at room temperature, from 2-4 days the opal polystyrene
photonic crystals are fabricated on this slides. Ultra Violet (UV-Vis)
spectrometer is used so as to study the transmission spectra.
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Results and Discussion:
Polystyrene/Gum Arabic Photonic crystal has been fabricated; the
characterizations of the fabricated photonic crystals are studied by
transmission spectra. When the structures of the Photonic crystals are
depend on volume fraction, and the concentration of the solvent, here in our
work, the concentration of polystyrene colloidal crystal is decreased, as to
study the tunability of the wavelengths, and to achieve shift in photonic
crystal band gap for suitable applications in these regions. Firstly, when
hydrogen peroxide is used as foaming agent, with decreasing polystyrene
colloidal crystal as shown in figures 1,2,3,4 and 5 the wavelengths tuned from
242.7 nm to 347.9 nm. Secondly when Sodium peroxide is used as foaming
agent the transmission is increased, and the wavelength is shifted to longer
wavelength 303.6 nm. In comparing spectra of polystyrene photonic crystal
that fabricated by using hydrogen peroxide have a good quality, this means
the particles of polystyrene is mono-dispersed and the size of the foam have
the same sizes (mono-dispersive). In spectra of figure (6) and figure (7), it
shows that the increasing of transmission when the colloidal crystal
concentration of polystyrene is decreased and the full width at half maximum
is become narrower; this may be attributed to the thermodynamic of the
system. The free energy is small in low concentration suspension of
polystyrene colloidal crystal. In our work from sample two to seven the
wavelengths are in the ultraviolet (UV) region (150-350nm), in this region
only a few experimental and theoretical reports have recently been
demonstrated to exhibit the signature of photonic crystals [38], which have
many applications including the laser applications, the perfect mirror, optical
communications, eye protection, etc…according to reference [38], because of
the high absorption coefficients and unstable dielectric constants under
prolonged irradiation with UV and visible light. In this work we added Zn ion
and Gum Arabic this might be solved this problems, therefore we achieved
photonic crystals in this important region, which have a special applications.
On the other hand application of photonic crystal as sensors which based on
structural colors tuned by external physical or chemical stimuli through the
manipulation, therefore adding Zn ion changes the geometrical structure of
photonic crystals hydro gel, and thus causing diffraction wavelength shift has
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been depicted in reference [39]. This is what has been done in this paper to
acquire tunable photonic crystal in main region for specific applications.
Conclusions: Polystyrene/Gum Arabic photonic crystal is fabricated by foam
reaction for polystyrene/Gum Arabic for the first time by using this new
technique, to acquire tunable photonic band gap which is found as foam
agent and foam structure depends, this supported by materials science
research laboratory of Al -Neelain university.
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300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
Tra
nsm
itta
nce
%
Wavelength(nm)
Figure (1): Sample one spectra of polystyrene /Gum Arabic Photonic crystal
wavelength at 347.9nm
250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800
75
80
85
90
95
100
Tra
nsm
itte
nce
%
Wavelength(nm)
Figure (2) Sample two wavelength at 302.5nm
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300 400 500 600 700 800
20
25
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55
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65
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AWavelength(nm)
Figure (3) Sample three wavelengths at 242.7nm
300 400 500 600 700 800 900
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80
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90
95
100
105
Tra
nsm
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%
Wavelength(nm)
Figure (4) Sample four wavelength at 301.1nm
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wavelength (nm)
Figure (5) Sample five wavelength at300.4nm
300 350 400 450 500
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Wavelength (nm)
Figure (6) Sample six transmission wavelength at 296.6nm
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300 400 500
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100
Tra
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itta
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Wavelenth ()nm
Figure (7) Sample seven wavelength at 297.4nm
In sample (6) and sample (7) sodium Peroxide is used as foam agent,
comparing these with sample (5) which is fabricated by using hydrogen
peroxide.
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Table 1:Show the samples of polystyrene /Gum Arabic photonic crystal ,
wavelengths are shifted due to the change in PH of polystyrene colloidal crystal
concentration, by changing in acid and Zn++
Sample N. Wavelength(nm)
Sample one 347.9
Sample two 303.5
Sample three 242.7
Sample four 301.1
Sample five 300.4
Sample six 296.6
Sample seven 297.4