ABSTRACT CTS-9729569 M. Rubner/MIT The objective of this research is to establish the fundamental knowledge base needed to control the structure and properties if sequentially adsorbed polyion layers and to use this knowledge to create high performance light emitting thin film devices and versatile surface modification layers. The program will explore in detail the role that processing parameters play in determining the structure, organization, layer thickness and properties of multilayer thin films fabricated from sequentially adsorbed bilayers of weak polyacids and strong polycations. Important issues such as determining and controlling the level of interlayer interlayer interpenetration and the polyanion/polycation composition of the internal bilayers and outermost surface layer will be examined including non-conjugated and conjugated polyions and light emitting polyions. It is anticipated that the fundamental knowledge gained by these new studies will make it possible to significantly enhance the performance of thin film light emitting devices fabricated from conjugated polyions and to create a new facility of surface modification layers suitable for applications ranging from anti-fogging surfaces to contact lenses. Light emitting thin film devices will be examined with the goal of creating large area, high efficiency devices. ***
