Ultra-thin superlattices from gold nanoparticles for nanophotonics

Researchers led by Prof. Dr. Matthias Karg at the Institute of Physical Chemistry report a simple technique for developing highly ordered particle layers. The group worked with tiny, deformable spherical polymer beads with a hydrogel-like structure. Hydrogels are water-swollen, three-dimensional networks. Such structures are used as super-absorbers in such products as babies' nappies due to their ability to soak up large quantities of liquids.