Measuring Local Optical Properties: Near-Field Polarimetry of Photonic Block Copolymer Morphology

Published

January 10, 2003

Author(s)

Michael J. Fasolka, Lori S. Goldner, Jeeseong C. Hwang, A Urbas, P DeRege, T Swager, Edwin L. Thomas

Abstract

Due to their microphase separated morphology, block copolymers (BC) can exhibit photonic behavior if their domain periodicity is sufficiently large (>100 nm) [1]. Classical spectroscopic characterization of these optical properties is routine, but only offers an ensemble picture of the materials behavior. Incorporation of these materials into optical devices, especially in the form of thin films where 2D in-plane photonic structure is possible, will require characterization which probes the optical properties associated with single microphase domains and defect structures.In anticipation of these needs, we apply Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy (NSOM) to the study of ultrahigh molecular weight photonic BC thin films. The sub-diffraction limit resolution of NSOM (=50 nm) allows for the direct optical imaging of BC microphase morphology; providing insight into the local optical structure of thin film specimens. We present here the first such optical images of BC microphase separation, collected via transmission aperture NSOM and NSOM polarimetry. Effects of the various scanning and collection parameters as well as input-light polarization on the contrast and detail seen in these micrographs are discussed.

Citation

Measuring Local Optical Properties: Near-Field Polarimetry of Photonic Block Copolymer Morphology

Volume

90

Issue

1

Pub Type

Others

Keywords

BC microphase, block copolymers, near-field scanning optical microscopy, NSOM, optical devices, photonic BC thin films, thin films

Citation

Fasolka, M. , Goldner, L. , Hwang, J. , Urbas, A. , DeRege, P. , Swager, T. and Thomas, E. (2003), Measuring Local Optical Properties: Near-Field Polarimetry of Photonic Block Copolymer Morphology, Measuring Local Optical Properties: Near-Field Polarimetry of Photonic Block Copolymer Morphology (Accessed February 18, 2025)