Method and system to mimic a random structural pattern
A method and resulting device that mimics the light scattering properties of a random structural pattern using microspheres.
1. A method to create a structure that mimics the light scattering properties of a random structural pattern comprising the steps of:
infiltrating a structure with a polymer to create a multiple layer composite, said composite having a random structural pattern therein;
polishing said composite in a layer-by-layer fashion to expose a portion of said random structural pattern;
intermittently capturing SEM images of said exposed portion and obtaining an image of the surface of the exposed portion; and
finding the radial distribution of said random structural pattern from the SEM images to determine the structure of said random structural pattern.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said radial distribution function is determined in three directions.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said radial distribution function is used to fabricate microsphere-based structures that mimic the radial distribution function of the random structural pattern.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein said fabrication includes the step of using colloidal sedimentation to create randomly packed microspheres.
5. The method of claim 3 wherein said fabrication includes the step of spray coating microspheres to create randomly packed microspheres.
6. The method of claim 4 wherein an electrolyte is added.
7. The method of claim 4 wherein an electrolyte is added to a stable colloidal suspension of SiO 2 microspheres.
8. The method of claim 4 wherein an electrolyte is added to a concentration that exceeds the critical coagulation concentration so as to create randomness into the structure.
9. The method of claim 4 further including the step of accelerating the sedimentation by centrifugation.
10. The method of claim 5 further including the step of adding a surfactant to the spray coating to increase the degree of randomness of the coating.