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Shaw H. Chen
Professor and Chair; Senior Scientist LLE
Ph.D. 1981, University of Minnesota
251 Gavett Hall
(585)275-4040
shch@lle.rochester.edu
Website
http://www.che.rochester.edu/~shc/
Courses
ChE 286/486: Polymer Science & Engineering
Research Topics:
Polymer science and engineering; glass-forming liquid crystals;
mesomorphic conjugated polymers; optical, photonic, and optoelectronic
materials; computational chemistry; self-assembled organic thin
films; vapor deposition polymerization
Research Overview: The main theme
of our research is on organic materials capable of self-organization
on a macroscopic scale. Our approach consists of molecular design,
synthesis, thin film processing, and computational chemistry aiming
at novel advanced materials for optics, photonics, and optoelectronics.
Our recent effort has culminated in "liquid crystalline molecular
glass" defying the traditional view of glass as amorphous
material. This material class poses many challenging questions
regarding the ability of a low-molar-mass system to vitrify while
retaining order, to form films and fibers, and to resist spontaneous
crystallization. We are also cultivating device science through
experimental and theoretical studies of optical, photochemical
and photophysical processes in structured films. Potential applications
being explored include: high-efficiency polarization for information
displays, notch filters for laser protection, latching electro-optic
devices for optical communication, and polarized light emission.
"Mesomorphic p-conjugated polymers" represent another
class of multifunctional materials under investigation for selective
absorption, reflection and emission.
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