UC San Diego

The objective of this research is to examine the impact of pressure and solvent choice on the deposition of Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) thin films, to improve the engineering of thin film surfaces. This study delves into the complex relationship between processing parameters and the characteristics of ferroelectric polymer (PVDF-TrFE) thin films. PVDF-TrFE is a well-known ferroelectric polymer and several attempts have been made to enhance the ferroelectric properties. The evaluation of different solvents, such as Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO), Cyclopentanone, and DMSO with Acetone binary solvent system, was conducted by testing under varying pressure settings. This research investigates the intricate impacts of these factors on the structure, thickness, and surface roughness of films, using methodologies such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM), and Ellipsometry. The results of the study provide interesting observations: the binary solvent system of DMSO and Acetone emerges as a promising candidate, as it demonstrates improved evaporation that promotes the creation of a smoother and more consistent film. Furthermore, the impact of fluctuations in pressure on the properties of films highlights the need for carefully regulated processing parameters in shaping surface features. The study findings have broader implications that go beyond the realm of fundamental thin film engineering. These implications have the potential to be applied in several domains, including semiconductor device production, and memory technologies. This work makes a valuable contribution to the field of materials science and nanotechnology by providing a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental processes that drive the deposition of LB films.