Structural studies of Langmuir-Blodgett films: technology and analysis

Using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, ultra-thin films of organic molecules can be deposited on suitable substrates with a high degree of precision over the individual layer thickness. The electronic and optical properties of these films are closely related to the molecular orientation within the layer. Some of the techniques used to analyse the structure of the floating and transferred layers are discussed in this short review, with special reference to phthalocyanine films