Materials and biological physics

The Materials and Biological Physics Group studies a wide range of problems in soft matter, from understanding the fundamental physical principles that underpin life, to the practical applications of organic thin-films.

Computer graphic showing how spray-on solar cell's could be used in production. Three nozzles spray cells onto a sub-straight
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Research interests

  • Using steady-state and time-resolved optical spectroscopic techniques to study electronic structure and excited-state dynamics of conjugated carbon-based materials
  • Understanding singlet exciton fission in polyenes and acenes, and controlling singlet and triplet exciton energies through solid-state and molecular engineering
  • Exploring polymers at surfaces and interfaces: film stability and dewetting; phase separation; diffusion of polymers on surfaces and in films; polymer adsorption
  • Photonic and polaritonic structures and lasers based on thin films of organic and 'hybrid-semiconductor' materials
  • Photovoltaic and light emitting devices based on perovskites and polymeric semiconductors; developing manufacturing processes
  • Investigating future energy systems through collaborative interactions with the public
  • Performance and integration of PV systems into the UK electricity network
  • Understanding the physics of cell motility and cancer metastasis
  • The development of new optical and atomic force microscopy based imaging techniques for understanding living systems
  • The physics of bacterial life, death, and antibiotic resistance

Academic staff and research fellows

A global reputation

Sheffield is a research university with a global reputation for excellence. We're a member of the Russell Group: one of the 24 leading UK universities for research and teaching.