Molecular engineering in Japan—A prospect of research on Langmuir-Blodgett films

Abstract

The present status of research on Langmuir Blodgett (LB) films in Japan is outlined in relation to molecular engineering. Stress is laid on the fundamentals of LB films: synthesis of novel films, advances in preparation techniques, and characterization of molecular domains. The novel LB films developed recently include those with high conductivity, those of wholly aromatic compounds, those of photoconductive dyes and those having a triad of three different functional groups. The preparation techniques include horizontal lifting, a method of depositing monolayers with the minimum shearing stress, the formation and deposition of supermonomolecular layers, and secondary treatments for modifying the properties of films. The advances in characterization are exemplified by the introduction of Penning ionization electron spectroscopy, the utilization of synchrotron radiation and analyses using the electron spin resonance technique applied to dye LB films and conducting LB films. The prospects for molecular engineering in the near future are briefly discussed. The significance of the LB technique as a tool for fabricating test structures is pointed out together with the increasing importance of theoretical guidelines.