Physics of ultra-thin phthalocyanine films on semiconductors

This paper focuses on the structural arrangements, as seen in scanning tunneling microscopy, chemical and electric properties, as studied especially by high resolution synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy and energy loss spectroscopy of sub-monolayer up to few monolayer thin films of phthalocyanines adsorbed on narrow band gap III–V semiconductors where they form ordered superstructures, as well as on silicon surfaces. Special emphasis will be put on non-planar metal phthalocyanines where the central atom is either lead or tin. These molecules have been studied in detail from the experimental point of view as well as theoretically by ab initio quantum calculations. Comparison with metal free and metal substituted planar phthalocyanines (H₂Pc, CuPc, CoPc, …) adsorbed on semiconductors or noble metal surfaces is included. Perspectives and novel potential applications are finally outlined.