Dynamic Disorder in Organic Semiconductors

Dr John Anthony (JA) of the Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky (UK), proposes a collaborative research project with NISTfs Nanoscale Device Characterization Division (NDCD) of Physical Measurement Laboratory to synthesize designer molecules to be used in a study of charge]phonon interactions and impact on charge transport in organic semiconductors (OSCs). The Nanoscale Processes and Measurements Group in NDCD focuses on developing device and computational models of charge transfer dynamics. In particular, NIST has developed a correlated measurement and computational platform to establish evidence for oriented charge]phonon interactions in organic semiconductors. A key development in this area involves the identification of critical molecular motions governing the charge]phonon interaction. We at UK have developed organic semiconducting molecules which enhance or suppress key molecular motions. This proposal supports the upscaled synthesis of complementary materials at UK which will be measured at NIST in a study designed to explore the effect of designed motion suppression on charge]phonon dynamics.