Electron-microscopic analysis of polymer thin films capable of switching to the conductive state

This paper presents results of the electron-microscopic analysis of poly(3,3′-phthalidylidene-4,4′-biphenylylene) thin films with anomalously high spontaneous conductivity. The conductive state of the polymer is shown to be due to the formation of areas of high conductivity about 50–100 nm in size which join into larger clusters. It is established that the microscopic relief of the polymer film and its inherent texture exert no effect on the processes of switching and generation of the conductive structure.