In our laboratory, experimental work is being conducted in the area of surface chemistry. In particular the spectroscopy and kinetics of chemisorbed species on well-characterized surfaces is investigated. Interest is primarily on a molecular level regarding the structure and reactivity of species important in chemical reactions.

One area of interest is the growth of ultra-thin organic films (2-10 atomic layers) on semiconductor surfaces. This is part of a larger study to make fundamental surface measurements of the reactions involved in synthesis of ordered organic monolayers. These studies employ a variety of organic compounds. Additionally, we are interested in looking at the electronic structure of the thin film/semiconductor interface by photoelectron spectroscopy. These studies will provide information that may be unique to the thin film. The differerence in electronic structures may also lead to changes in surface reactivity and this is also pursued.