Electro-optic effects of colloidal crystals

Many kinds of electro-optic effects of colloidal crystals are observed and discussed on the basis of the fundamental properties of colloidal crystals themselves. Several electro-optic effects of colloidal crystals have been found by the authors mainly by use of light-scattering, reflection- and transmitted-light intensity measurements in an electric field, (a) waveform deformation, (b) phase-shift effects, (c) second-order harmonics generation, (d) self-resonance frequency generation (characteristic frequency and harmonic oscillation), (e) peak wavelength-shift effects and (f) waveform transformation. These electro-optic responses are explained successfully by the resonance-, visco-elastic- and structural relaxation-parameters of colloidal crystals.

Graphical AbstractGiant single crystals and self-resonance effects of colloidal crystals.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► Why colloidal crystallization takes place is reviewed.
► Fundamental properties of colloidal crystals relating the electro-optics are reviewed.
► Wave-form deformation and phase-shift effects of colloidal crystals are discussed.
► Harmonics generation and self-resonance effects of colloidal crystals are discussed.