Measuring the order parameter of vertically aligned nanorod assemblies

Vertically aligned nanorod assemblies are of great interest both for fundamental studies of anisotropic physical properties arising from the structures and for the development of functional devices utilizing such anisotropic characteristics. Simultaneous measurement of the homeotropic order parameter (Shomeo) of assemblies in dynamic states can allow further optimization of the assembly process and the device performance. Although many techniques (e.g. birefringence measurement, SAXS analysis, and high-resolution microscopy) have been proposed to characterise Shomeo, these do not yet meet the essential criteria such as for rapid, in situ and non-destructive analyses. Here, we propose a novel approach employing a unique photoluminescence behaviour of lanthanide-doped crystalline nanorods, of which the emission spectrum contains the detailed information on the structure of the assembly. We demonstrate a rapid in situ determination of Shomeo of Eu3+-doped NaYF4 nanorods of which the orientation is controlled under an external electric field. The method does not require the consideration of polarization and can be performed using a conventional fluorescence microscopy setup. This new methodology would provide a more in-depth examination of various assembled nanostructures and the collective dynamics of their building blocks.