STRAINED-LAYER VAN-DER-WAALS EPITAXY IN A LANGMUIR-BLODGETT-FILM

Atomic force microscope images of Langmuir-Blodgett films of lead and manganese fatty acid salts show that these monolayers have long-range order and are oriented with respect to the mica substrate, although th e lattice symmetries of the monolayers and substrate are dramatically different. The surface lattice of sequentially thicker films evolves t oward the bulk structure while retaining the substrate alignment. This behavior is in distinct contrast to films of cadmium fatty acid salts on mica, or all films on amorphous silicon oxide, in which the monola yer structure is disordered and a three-layer-thick film displays the bulk structure.