Salzmann Research Group

We study the fundamental properties of conjugated organic molecules and polymers (plastics) that can be used as organic semiconductors. Such materials are employed with great success today in light-emitting devices (like OLED-based cell phones or TV) and are of particular interest for organic and hybrid (i.e. combined organic & inorganic) photovoltaics.

We focus on the complex microstructure of these materials, how it affects their electronic and optical properties, and how we can tailor these properties to meet application-related demands. We strive to understand better the differences between inorganic and organic semiconductors, explore their physics of doping and engineer their doping through organic chemistry.

We combine work in the ultra-high vacuum with the solution processing of organic semiconductor thin films under inert atmosphere for spectroscopically assessing their properties. In addition to work in the lab, we do a lot of research at synchrotron radiation facilities performing state-of-the-art X-ray scattering techniques.