We fabricate polymeric photonic crystals using self-assembly, especially with block copolymers, and by holographic interference lithography. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of complex relations between the lattice symmetry and optical properties of periodic structures.
For example, a self-assembling gel consisting of alternating layers of two polymers, hydrophobic polystyrene and hydrophilic poly-2-vinyl-pyridine (P2VP) can rapidly change color in response to a range of stmuli, including temperature, humidity, and salt concentration. The photonic gel could lead to a variety of applications including sensors and display devices.