Fluorescence SNOM of domain structures of LB films containing electron transfer systems

The morphology of a mixed monolayer consisting of a metal complex and stearic acid on mica was investigated by SNOM. In the topographic shear-force image, round domains of several micrometers diameter protruded several إ from the monolayer surface. The fluorescence pattern revealed by SNOM (excitation at 488 nm, emission at 590 nm) matched the monolayer topography, and a higher fluorescence intensity was detected from the interdomain space. The photobleaching kinetics and integrated fluorescence of the different phases of the monolayer film were analyzed, yielding estimates of relative quantum yields and surface densities of the dyad.