Matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) is a process by which thin films can be deposited on a substrate. Laser pulses strike a frozen target typically comprised of a fragile solute dissolved in a volatile matrix solvent. The solvent evaporates, and the solute is deposited on a substrate below the target. The thin films are later imaged on a scanning electron microscope in order to observe the film’s topography and thickness, as well as the dispersion of the deposited materials.

My project involves depositing carbon nanotubes and polystyrene on a silicon substrate. The concentration of carbon nanotubes/polystyrene (solute) dissolved or dispersed in toluene (solvent) is varied, as is the fluence (energy per unit area) at which the deposition takes place. This is being done in order to determine the best fluence at which to deposit each concentration