X-ray spectromicroscopy and microscopy of molecular nanomaterials

在这项研究计划中，我们正在开发工具和理解，使我们能够基于定向有机分子制造纳米结构。我们专注于创造具有复杂图案和形式的纳米结构，由简单分子制成，如蜡烛蜡中使用的石蜡。从某种意义上说，我们正在设计用于组装纳米结构的“乐高积木”，并开发用这些积木构建形状和配置的方法。我们希望控制这些块的放置和方向。我们在“乐高”上的轻松与建造纳米结构的巨大挑战相去甚远。我们缺乏用眼睛看东西、用手指指挥的“感觉”，也缺乏让我们建造越来越复杂的形式的经验。我们需要了解分子系统如何组织和生长的基本原理，然后才能设计和指导它们的生长。从本质上讲，我们需要开发“眼睛”和“手指”，并通过这些获得构建分子纳米结构的经验。

In this research program, we are developing the tools and understanding that will allow us to make nanostructures based on oriented organic molecules. We are focusing on creating nanostructures with intricate patterns and form, made of simple molecules such as paraffin used in candle wax. In a sense, we are designing the "lego blocks" for assembling nanostructures, and developing ways to construct shapes and configurations with these blocks. We want to control both the placement and the orientation of these blocks. Our ease at working with "lego" is far removed from the immense challenges of building nanostructures. We lack the "senses" to see with our eyes, to direct with our fingers, and the experience that allows us to build increasingly complicated forms. We need to understand the basic principles of how molecular systems organize and grow before we can pattern and direct their growth. In essence, we need to develop "eyes" and "fingers", and with these, gain experience in building molecular nanostructures.