Optimization of the feedback constant control for the mass-controlled layer-by-layer sequential adsorption technique for polyelectrolyte thin films

Mass-controlled layer-by-layer sequential adsorption process was newly deve loped for the fabrication of ultra-thin organic films formed by polyelectro lytes. A quartz crystal was attached to the arm of a robot and, using the q uartz crystal microbalance (QCM) method, the frequency shifts during adsorp tion of the materials were monitored. By optimization of the feedback const ant of the. data acquired by QCM to the dipping time, high-quality self-ass embled films were produced. From the cross-sectional images observed by TEM and thickness measurement carried out using an ellipsometer, it was found that the layer thickness was controlled with nm-scale accuracy. (C) 2001 El sevier Science B.V. AR rights reserved.