Methods and systems for large area and low defect monolayer ordering of microspheres and nanospheres

A method of assembling a colloidal crystal, the method comprising:

• dispensing a first liquid onto a first portion of a surface of a first substrate;
• dispensing a solution comprising colloidal spheres onto a second portion of the surface of the first substrate;
• agitating the colloidal spheres so as to disperse the colloidal spheres along the first portion and the second portion of the surface of the first substrate;
• directing air flow above the colloidal spheres inducing rotation of the colloidal spheres;
• transferring the colloidal spheres from the first substrate to a second substrate, wherein the first substrate and second substrate are mounted on a platform, wherein transferring the colloidal spheres from the first substrate to the second substrate comprises:
• adding a second liquid to the platform, such that the colloidal spheres float on the second liquid above the first substrate;
• and
• moving the colloidal spheres along the surface of the second liquid such that the colloidal spheres are above the second substrate.