  We have statistically characterized the self-assembly of multi-layer
polystyrene colloidal crystals, using the technique of vertical deposition,
with parameters chosen to produce thick layers of self-assembled crystals in
one deposition step. In addition, using a lithographically directed
self-assembly method, we have shown that the size of multi-layer, continuous
crack-free domains in lithographically defined areas can be many times larger
than in the surrounding areas. In a single deposition step, we have produced
continuous colloidal crystal films of 260 nm diameter polystyrene spheres
approximately 30 -- 40 layers thick, with a controllable lateral size of 80 --
100 $\upmu$m without lithography, and as high as 250 $\upmu$m with the
lithographic template.
