The Frank Group utilizes techniques in organic synthesis, air-sensitive manipulation of organic and inorganic compounds, coordination chemistry, electrochemistry, electronic absorption spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy, photophysics, magnetometry, computational chemistry, device fabrication and measurement, resistivity measurements, AFM, Raman Spectroscopy of surfaces, OFET/OPV fabrication and measurement, and magneto-optics of functional materials.
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Spin-Based Materials for Quantum Information Science
Functional materials that change spin, optical, and charge state upon application of external stimuli (light, electric Keld, or magnetic Keld) are central to the development of non-volatile memory technologies, spintronics devices, and sensors for quantum information science (QIS). Within the context of quantum information science, quantum computing, communications, and sensors all rely on the fundamental unit of a qubit. In general, a qubit possesses at least two well-deKned quantum states that can be prepared and addressed independently. Qubits can interact to generate an inKnite number of states leading to exciting new possibilities for data processing, storage, and sensing at the… more…
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Organic Polymers for Charge Storage
Organic polymers are central to the development of new functional materials for renewable energy, biosensors, and medicinal applications. The electronic structure of organic polymers is highly sensitive to degrees of conjugation, structure of the monomer unit, backbone morphology, and noncovalent interactions between polymer chains. Organic polymers that undergo reversible changes in redox state are valuable for organic electronics, organic solar cells (photovoltaics), and organic charge storage materials (batteries). We have developed stable radicals that function as n-type (good electron donors), and p- type(good electron acceptors) for incorporation into conjugated polymer backbones. These materials show exceptional properties as battery materials, photovoltaic… more…
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Bioimaging and Magnetism in Biology
Magnetism plays an important role in biology, either through the development of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) contrast agents for imaging of biological tissues, or through the role of inRuencing the sensory mechanisms involved in the migration of thousands of organisms by using subtle changes in magnetic Keld: magnetoreception. We study the fundamental mechanisms involved in these processes through the lens of magnetism. Projects in this area involve the development of new contrast agents, new small molecules for sensing small molecule biological actors ( i.e. glutathione in the cell); and model studies to understand the fundamental mechanisms in nanoparticle and radical-mediated… more…
Frank Research Group 