Optical and electrical characterisation of polyelectrolyte self-assembled thin films

Polyelectrolyte self-assembled multilayer films were prepared by alternation of poly(allylamine) hydrochloride (PAA) and poly(sodium 4-sterenesulfonate) (PSS) using a fully automatic, computer-controlled deposition set-up. The produced films were characterised with ellipsometry and surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and both film thickness and refractive index were evaluated. Thickness per PAA/PSS bilayer was found to increase from 0.58 to 1.26 nm after a few dips indicating an improved film transfer and then homogeneity. Current-voltage characteristics of Au/(PAA/PSS)(n)/Al sandwich structures were measured and films' electrical conductivity has also been evaluated. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.