Barbara/Vanden Bout Group

The primary focus in our research is the use of single molecule spectroscopy to investigate the chemical and photophysical dynamics of important chemical and biological systems that are too complex to adequately investigate by non-single molecule spectroscopy methods. The complex chemical and physical processes of heterogeneous systems are often obscured in ordinary ensemble measurements. These processes, however, have become accessible in recent years through the development and application of single-molecule (single-particle) experimental tools for materials and biological research.

For example by investigating the spectroscopy of conjugated polymers, one molecule at a time, we have unraveled several central issues in how conjugated polymers materials function in critical applications such as organic light emitting displays (OLEDS) and photovoltaic devices for solar energy conversion. We have also used these techniques to study poorly understood, but very important biological processes, for example the reverse transcription mechanisms of the HIV-1, the infectious agent in AIDS. We plan to continue to develop and apply new single molecule tools to important problems in chemistry, materials science and biophysics.

Prof. Paul Barbara passed away on October 31, 2010. After his death, the group is merged to Prof. David Vanden Bout's group and has been continuing conjugated polymer reserach by using single molecule spectroscopy. The main focus of research in the group now is understanding the morphology formation of conjugated polymer materials and its effect on optical and electrical properties.