Direct observation of ordered crystalline organic quantum-well structures using reflection high-energy electron diffraction

Abstract

We directly observe by reflection high‐energy electron diffraction, the quasiepitaxial growth of crystalline organic quantum‐well structures grown by the ultrahigh vacuum process of organic molecular beam deposition. We show that each of four alternating layers of two organic molecules grows in a crystalline form without sufficient strain to induce amorphous growth, regardless of significant lattice mismatch which might exist between the alternating films. Our results clearly demonstrate the ability to engineer a completely new class of van der Waals‐bonded thin film materials and structures based on crystalline organic semiconductors, with applications to optoelectronics.