Modeling and characterization of molecular structures in self assembled and Langmuir-Blodgett films for controlled fabrication

Self Assembled (SA) thin films and Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) thin films are emerging technologies for the development of chemical and bio-chemical sensors, electrooptic films, second harmonic generators (frequency doublers), templates for biomimetic growth etc. One of the goals of this project was to extend Sandia`s characterization techniques and molecular modeling capabilities for these complex two-dimensional geometries with the objective of improving the control of the fabrication of these structures for specific applications. Achieving this requires understanding both the structure throughout the thickness of the films and the in-plane lattice of the amphiphilic molecules. To meet these objectives they used atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray reflectivity, and molecular modeling. While developing these capabilities, three different materials systems were fabricated and characterized: (1) Self Assembled Monolayers (SAMs) of octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and LB films of arachidic acid on silicon wafers; (2) SAMs on PZT substrates; and (3) electrochemical deposition of CdS on LB film templates.