Application of fluorescence scanning near-field optical microscopy to the study of phase-separated conjugated polymers

Phase-separated films of blends of a conjugated polymer and an electrically inert matrix polymer have been studied with fluorescence near-field optical microscopy. The composition of the blend is observed to have a dramatic effect on the morphology of the film. Simultaneous shear force microscopy reveals topographic differences between the two polymers in the films. Annealing of the films is shown to efficiently control this topography.