Prof. Michael F Rubner

The research of Professor Rubner's group is focused on the design, fabrication and properties of ultra-thin films of polymers for electrical, optical, and biomaterial applications. Much of this research utilizes a new, molecular-level layer-by-layer processing technique that makes it possible to fabricate complex thin film heterostructures with a wide range of properties.

Properties and applications of current interest include anti-fogging coatings, anti-reflection coatings, photonic band-gap reflectors, bio-inert coatings, bio-specific coatings, ink-jet and micro-contact printed patterned thin films, organic and polymeric light emitting devices, micro- and nanoporous thin films, patterned biosensors, dielectric properties, and electrically conductive coatings.

Fundamental studies are aimed at understanding hydrogen bonding and electrostatic multilayer assembly, interactions of cells with surfaces, and mechanisms of light emission in solid-state electrochemical cells.