Rapid Production of Nano-pixel-based Color Imageries

Structural color pixels have attracted many interests as an alternate for colorant pigmentation. The structural coloration occurs as a result of light interaction with a physical structure containing nanometric features. In this study, novel techniques are presented to rapidly originate image master stamps for any given color image from a generic pixelated stamp named nanosubstrate. The nanosubstrate has gratings structure which gives colors due to light diffraction. Micro-patterning techniques were implemented to activate pixels of nanosubstrate and acquire image master stamps. The prepared master stamp can be replicated to provide several copies of image with the same quality. The given grating structure contains periodic hole arrays, which after replication convert to periodic pillars or vice versa. Both visible and invisible images can be easily stored and read using this method. This technique can be used for security and media applications, and can be complemented by combined information storage capabilities.