Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy has revolutionized our ability to probe structure-function relationships in biological systems, and was recognized with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2014.  We are investigating the application of similar methods to soft material systems to provide insights into their nanoscale behavior that cannot be obtained in any other way.  We are developing unique instrumentation and methods to simultaneously determine the position, orientation, mobility, lifetime, and spectra of individual molecules in polymer and composite materials to probe structure-property relationships at the nanoscale.  The single-molecule imaging lab is part of the Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, where we develop instrumentation beyond the state of the art. Our research program offers a supportive, highly-multidisciplinary environment coupled with outstanding experimental resources.

References:

Simultaneous single-molecule localization and orientation microscopy reveals nanoscale structure and deformation in soft materials, Muzhou Wang, Marcelo Davanco, James M. Marr, Jeffrey W. Gilman, J. Alexander Liddle, Mater. Horiz. http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/C8MH01187G (2019)

Super-resolution Optical Measurement of Nanoscale Photoacid Distribution in Lithographic Materials, A. J. Berro, A. J. Berglund, P. T. Carmichael, J. S. Kim, J. A. Liddle, ACS Nano, 6, 9496 (2012)

key words

Super-resolution optical microscopy; single-molecule imaging; fluorescence; nanoscopy; soft matter; polymer dynamics

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants