Langmuir-Blodgett films: From micron to angstrom

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Abstract
Combining optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy, a complete characterization of Langmuir-Blodgett bilayers made of arachidic acid has been performed. At macroscopic scales, both techniques can be used to control the homogeneity of the transferred films. By atomic force microscopy, roughness and thickness of the bilayers could be determined. These are compatible with a normal orientation of the fully extended aliphatic chains with respect to the substrate. Molecular-resolution images give the first direct experimental evidence for the presence of pairs of dislocations in those systems.