Drain-source current in organic thin-film transistors has been monitored in situ and in real time during the deposition of pentacene. The current starts to flow when percolation of the first monolayer (ML) occurs and, depending on the deposition rate, saturates at a coverage in the range 2–7 MLs. The number of active layers contributing to the current and the spatial distribution of charge carriers are modulated by the growth mode. The thickness of the accumulation layer, represented by an effective Debye length, scales as the morphological correlation length. These results show that the effective Debye length is not just a material parameter, but depends on the multiscale morphology. Earlier controversial results can be unified within this framework.

Single molecule magnets (SMM) are a class of molecules exhibiting magnetic properties similar to those observed in conventional bulk magnets, but of molecular origin. SMMs have been proposed as potential candidates for several technological applications that require highly controlled thin films and patterns. Here we present an overview of the most important approaches for thin film growth and micro(nano)-patterning of SMM, giving special attention to Mn₁₂ based molecules. We present both conventional approaches to thin film growth (Langmuir–Blodgett, chemical approach, dip and dry, laser evaporation), patterning (micro-contact printing, deposition on patterned surface, moulding of homogeneous films) and new methods specifically developed for SMM (lithographically controlled wetting, lithographically controlled de-mixing).