From Isolated Sphere to Locked Dome: A Robust Photonic Structure for Iridescent Anticounterfeit Glass Labels

Monolayer colloidal crystals (MCCs) based on sphere particles are receiving growing attention due to their angle-dependent scattering structural colors. However, the knowledge gap regarding the relationship between colloid size and optical performance is still unclear. Additionally, traditional MCCs deposited on glass show poor stability, significantly hindering their practical applications. Herein, monolayer dome crystals (MDCs) locked in glass, capable of addressing the above issues, are fabricated by simply calcining silica-sphere-based MCCs covered on glass. It is experimentally and interestingly demonstrated that (1) the size of silica domes, locking degree, and interdome distance can be precisely regulated; (2) color saturation depends on the shape and size of silica dome particles; (3) both closely and nonclosely packed domes can be obtained; and (4) MDCs show superior stability, capable of resisting rubbing, sonication, liquids, and other harsh conditions. Moreover, MDCs have demonstrated their potential applications for colorful glass packages and anticounterfeiting. This work offers a perspective on understanding photonic micro/nanostructures and will promote their application in information encryption, anticounterfeiting, and optical coating.