Structure evolution of implanted polymers: Buried conductive layer formation

The polarization, temperature and frequency dependence of the conductivity of polyethylene and poliamide-6 films implanted with B ions at 60-100 keV t o various fluences were investigated. The phenomenon of hysteresis was obse rved in the d.c. current-voltage dependence fbr the polymers implanted with moderate fluences. This effect was attributed to the aligning of electric dipoles (attributed to the carbon-rich clusters) in the implanted layer by the applied electric field. The possibility of fabrication of a sandwich st ructure insulator/conductive layer/insulator combining the ion implantation with the electrochemical deposition of dielectric polymer poly-ortho-pheny lenediamine From solution was demonstrated. The spatial characteristics of this structure enable the control of the conductance of the concealed carbo naceous layer by applying an external electric field that opens the way for fabrication of a transistor-like electronic switch. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scie nce B.V. All rights reserved.