Vacuum deposited composite polyimide - phthalocyanine films

Polyimide (PI) - phthalocyanine (Pc) composite films prepared by means of s imultaneous vacuum deposition of vapours of PI precursors - oxydianiline (O DA) and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), and Pc - metal-free - or copper ph thalocyanine, were investigated. Thermal treatment regimes for imidization of ODA and PMDA to PI without essential changes in the chromophore concentr ation and in the surface morphology of the layers have been determined. The changes observed in the optical transmission and adsorption of the films, and in the optical density of the irradiated areas have been discussed as r esulting from the different composition of the layers. Also laser modificat ion and structuring in different film depths were accomplished. The thresho ld energies of excimer laser irradiation necessary for these purposes were determined. The obtained results render the possibilities for the study of the layers' properties in optical element formation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.