Mission
The Engstrom Research Group seeks to understand the behavior of surfaces and interfaces as they relate to a broad spectrum of technologies: from the fabrication of modern microelectronic devices, to materials with applications in lightweight and flexible displays, to solar cells incorporating nanocrystals.

Approach
In order to build a fundamental understanding we use the tools of the experimental surface scientist.

The Challenge
Integrating diverse materials into nanoscale device structures: The interfaces between inorganic materials such as metals, oxides, and semiconductor crystals, and organic matter such as polymers, small molecules and self assembled monolayers play a key role in a number of existing and emerging technologies. Developing an understanding of how to build robust interfaces between these two materials classes is an important and challenging problem.