The poly(p-phenylene) oligomer p-hexaphenyl is used in electroluminesc
ent devices emitting intense blue light. The defined thin film crystal
growth of hexaphenyl is studied under certain conditions. Thin films
are grown by physical vapor deposition on various substrates (GaAs, IT
O). The influence of the substrate temperature (room temperature to 17
0 degrees C) and film thickness (up to 6000 Angstrom) on the nature of
the crystal growth is studied. The film properties, like nucleation,
coverage, crystal dimensions, shape and appearance, are characterized
by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We discuss the influence of the
type of substrate and its surface on the film growth and morphology.
The crystal structure of these films was determined by X-ray diffracti
on. The crystallites' dimensions and surfaces are studied with atomic
force microscopy (AFM).