Abstract
Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films are formed by the successive deposition of a series of monolayers of one or more types of amphiphilic molecules initially spread at the interface between water and air. This review is mainly addressed to physicists and device engineers but, since the topic is of an interdisciplinary nature, it is hoped that it may also be of use to research workers in other disciplines. The early development and essential technology of the subject are discussed and key papers are referred to. However, the review is mainly devoted to the large amount of recent work in the field. A wide variety of different types of amphiphilic molecule are discussed ranging from simple carboxylic acids via complex heterocyclic compounds to polymers. The various physical techniques used to determine the crystallographic structure of the films together with the influence of deposition methods on this structure are discussed. The study of the electric and optical properties of various LB films is described both in relation to the physical information which may be gained from these studies and also in respect of possible technical applications. The difficulties inherent in attempting to obtain good three-dimensional crystallographic order in films are pointed out together with possible methods of overcoming these difficulties.
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