Field of Research: Fundamental and electronically functional organic solids and the structure and electronic structure of their films, surfaces, and interfaces,

Research Interests:  I have been interested in the properties of organic molecular materials, and their relation to the structure and electronic structure.  The target materials are fundamental and functional organic molecular materials, polymers, and oligomers.   Recently my interests are focused on ultrathin films of these materials and their surfaces and interfaces, in relation to their application to organic electronic devices such as organic electroluminescent (EL) devices and organic solar cells.  Combined use of surface scientific tools such as UV photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), IR spectroscopy, electron diffraction, and Kelvin probe provides detailed information on the structure and electronic structure.  We also use techniques using synchrotron radiation such as UPS and NEXAFS (near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure) spectroscopy.   From these studies, we have found interesting interfacial phenomena such as dipolar layer formation, spontaneous build up of large surface potential, and lack of electrical equilibrium at organic/metal interfaces.  We are also studying extended subjects such as surface freezing, ionic liquids, and film preparation with spraying in vacuum.