Order in Thin Organic Films (Electronic book text)

This book describes the various methods currently used to deposit highly ordered organic films, and the physical techniques employed in characterising their properties. Such films are the subject of a great deal of research, motivated by their potential application in micro-electronics. Beginning with a discussion of the necessary basic physics and chemistry, the book proceeds to a description of the main topics of current research in this field. The Langmuir-Blodgett technique, self-assembly, and methods of film deposition exploiting the ordered structure of mesophases are described in detail. Liquid crystals, films at the air/water interface and biomembranes are also discussed. The book is aimed at those graduate students and established research workers with an interest in the physics and chemistry of these fascinating structures.