The formation of regular nanostructures by photopolymerization of three dio
lefin derivative crystals, P2VB, DSP, and p-CPAEt is investigated using ato
mic force microscopy (AFM) and known crystal packing data. AFM reveals that
the crystal face (100) and (010) of P2VB exhibit volcanoes, whereas (100)
and (010) of DSP give floelike structures. The main face and long side face
of p-CPAEt give rise to volcanoes. All of those are guided by the crystal
structure. Molecular interpretations of the AFM features of P2VB and DSP ar
e given. (C) 1999 American Vacuum Society. [S0734-211X(99)03606-9].