Colloidal crystallization accomplished by electrodeposition on patterned substrates

We report colloid crystal growth by using electrodeposition of charged polymer colloid particles on patterned conductive substrates. We used photolithography to create patterns with conductive grooves and dielectric ribs on indium-tin oxide surfaces. Two approaches were used to enhance long-range order in two-dimensional colloid crystals grown on patterned surfaces: (i) patterning of substrates with features commensurate with several particle diameters and (ii) patterning of substrates with features commensurate with a single particle diameter. We demonstrate the effect of commensurability on colloid crystal growth and present the results of real-time studies of colloid crystallization in constrained geometry during electrodeposition on patterned substrates.