Here are a few things we're interested in:

• Clusters: As you may know, clusters are small structures made up of between two and several thousand atoms. They can be thought of as a bridge between the atomic (very small) and bulk (large) size regimes. There has recently been a great deal of interest in them due to their unique electrical and catalytic properties. Our research focuses on the following characteristics:
• Electrical properties: how do they pass electricity? As computer chips become smaller and smaller, quantum mechanical effects become more and more important. In principle, electronic devices using clusters as components could use these quantum mechanical effects to their advantage, resulting in a faster and more efficient computer.
• Structural properties: what shapes do they come in? The structural form clusters hold and the stability of that form can greatly affect the feasibility of using them as components in electronic devices.
• Cluster arrays: We have succeeded in forming ordered arrays of clusters, both unlinked and linked with dodecanethiol molecules. Measurements of the electrical properties of these arrays could lead to the first electronic devices using clusters as components.
• Molecular wires: Tiny electrical components need tiny wires to connect them. We are studying a variety of organic molecules to do just that. Some of the molecular wires we study have been used to link arrays of clusters.

INTRODUCTION . RESEARCH GROUPS . RESEARCH TOPICS . PUBLICATIONS . RELATED GROUPS

2 FEB 97

Questions, comments, etc.? contact Daniel L. Lovall