We use molecular design, tailored syntheses, intermolecular interactions, and selective chemistry to direct molecules into desired positions to create nanostructures with controlled environments and dimensionality, to connect functional molecules to the outside world, and to serve as test structures for measuring single or bundled molecules and assemblies. We have developed and applied new multimodal nanoscale analysis tools based on the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to measure structure, function, and spectra simultaneously. We are particularly interested in the interactions of photons with precisely assembled structures. The measured results of photoexcitation include photoconductivity and regioselective reaction. We apply this method to optimize molecules and materials for energy conversion and storage. Related imaging spectroscopies we have developed give access to the cooperative action of assembled molecular motors and the identification and orientations of parts of molecules such as amyloid-forming oligopeptides without averaging and without the need to crystallize the biomolecular assemblies. Concepts from sparsity and compressive sensing are developed and applied to guide efficient data acquisition and to accelerate data analysis and information assembly.

Nanoscale optical interactions in precise assemblies

254th National Meeting (2017)

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