title: Molecular positional order in langmuir-blodgett films by atomic force microscopy.
abstract: Langmuir-Blodgett films of barium arachidate have been studied on both macroscopic and microscopic scales by atomic force microscopy. As prepared, the films exhibit a disordered hexagonal structure; molecularly resolved images in direct space establish a connection between the extent of the positional order and the presence of defects such as dislocations. Upon heating, the films reorganize into a more condensed state with a centered rectangular crystallographic arrangement; in this new state the films exhibit long-range positional order and unusual structural features, such as a height modulation of the arachidic acid molecules.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bourdieu
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ronsin
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chatenay