Research

We measure the mechanical properties of molecular semiconductors on the nanoscale.

On an applied level, we implement cutting-edge force mapping techniques using atomic force microscopes. These techniques are based on multifrequency intermodulation, higher eigenmodes, and quasi-static nanoindentation. We pioneered the visualisation of high-contrast elasticity measurements on the scale of a few nanometres, and have measured elastic properties arising from individual molecules that compose molecular lattices. Projects that we undertake include elastic property evolution in molecular semiconductors across temperature-induced phase transitions, at cooperative phase transitions, at reduced dimensions, at the limits of charge conduction, and through prototype microfabricated devices.

On the level of fundamental physics, we try to understand how carrier mobility, conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and elasticity, interlock within multifunctional molecular materials. One proposed framework is summarised in the schematic diagram below.

Research Consortium
I run my research program together with Dr Ki-Hwan Hwang and Mr Mateo Cervantes in Cambridge, and with Prof Per Claesson in Stockholm. We profit from strong industry ties through a partnership with Park Systems. For theory and calculations of molecular mechanics, I work with Prof Erin Johnson and Prof Yoann Olivier.

Beyond electronically active materials, we collaborate closely with Prof Ljiljana Fruk and Dr Leszek J. Spalek to expand the systems we study to include biological matter.

Since 2024, I also jointly run a research program on molecular thermoelectrics with Dr Guillaume Schweicher at ULB in Belgium and Prof Kazuo Takimiya at RIKEN in Japan. This program was seed funded by the Wiener Anspach Foundation.

A small part of my research program is completely blue skies. One example of this is to treat nanoscale topography information topologically, and apply tools such as Topological Data Analysis (TDA) and Geometric Data Analysis (GDA) to evaluate atomic force microscopy images. This work, funded in part by UNAM in Mexico, is conducted together with Prof Pablo Padilla.

My work is funded in most part through multiple research grants I hold from the Royal Society, for which I am deeply grateful.