Scientists from Novosibirsk invented a new technology for synthesizing photon-crystal opal films. Photon crystals are considered the future of electronics.
      
      Until recently photon-crystal opal films were synthesized by means of crystal growing in the mixture of alcohol and nano-silicone particles. This technique has a number of drawbacks, for instance, a variety of crystal growth defects and no metals as carriers.
      
      New technology is based upon a lyophilic mixture of silicone particles and DMSO (dimethyl sulphoxide), which means it “attracts” particles of liquids. DMSO molecules prevent silicone particles from aggregation. Gravity makes silicone particles settle down on a carrier and form so-called “coacervate” – several layers of particles with high silicone concentration. After coacervate is formed, suspension is heated until all liquid is gone, thus forming an opal film.
      
      Inventors claim that functional and mechanical characteristics of their films are much better than those of films, produced by old technology.
      
      Source: Science News