ESR imaging study of the spin distribution in ladder type polymer films containing spatially selective conducting patterns

Stable patterns with high local electrical conductivities and different local spin densities can be created in ladder type polymer films (5–20 μm thickness) by first preheating to a temperature (T_p) followed by spatically selective laser annealing. Two dimensional images of the spin distribution in such films were determined using ESR imaging. The 2‐D images of 20 μm films exhibit peaks or dips in the spin density at the laser illuminated regions, which strongly depend on the preheating conditions. These phenomena are attributed to spin density gradients caused by a temperature gradient across the film upon illumination; it should be noted that the laser beam does not penetrate completely through such relatively thick films.