Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation for Polymer Thin Films: Formation and Characterization

Our interest in the study of polymer thin films is driven by their enormous technological potential, and the scientifically and intellectually challenging problems associated with their properties. Here, we discuss the fabrication of thin polymer films by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE). In this process, thin films are deposited from a frozen polymer-solvent solution onto a desired substrate via laser ablation. We discuss the parameters that lead to the formation of smooth, colorless polymer films. Additionally, we investigate the differences, or lack thereof, in the properties, e.g., glass transition temperature, of polymer films prepared by MAPLE and spin casting.