Matrix-assisted pulsed laser deposition of croconic acid, a diprotic organic ferroelectric

• Published in: Applied physics. A, Materials science & processing Materials science & processing, 2011-11, Vol.105 (3), p.635-641
• Main Authors: O’Malley, S. M., Yi, Sun Yong, Jimenez, Richard, Corgan, Jeffrey, Borchert, James, Kuchmek, John, Papantonakis, M. R., McGill, R. A., Bubb, D. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Condensed Matter Physics; Machines; Manufacturing; Nanotechnology; Optical and Electronic Materials; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Processes; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films
• ISSN: 0947-8396; 1432-0630
• DOI: 10.1007/s00339-011-6626-3

MAPLE has long been demonstrated as a successful tool for the deposition of relatively large polymerics and biomaterials. Less work has been done with small-mass organic compounds. In this work, MAPLE has been demonstrated as a viable materials processing technique for 4,5-dihydroxycyclopentenetrione, a diprotic hydroxylic acid, more commonly known as croconic acid ((C=O) 3 (COH) 2 ). Croconic acid readily dissociates in solution, and, as prepared in the solvent matrices used in this study, was deposited in large part as the solvated croconate conjugate base. Various substrates were utilized and the deposited films were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, atomic and piezo-force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and second harmonic generation measurements. This material has potential application in nonlinear optics and green computing as memory elements.