|
Last Modified Aug 2013
(c) Rudy Schlaf
Webmaster |
|
Consulting and Projects
Sponsored by Industrial Partners
Our group has an extensive history of collaboration
with local and international industrial partners in their research endeavors.
Our collaborative projects encompass a wide range of activities
ranging from simple surface characterization and work function measurements
of production samples to comprehensive multi-year studies on complex
materials related phenomena. Our expertise is in the following areas:
- Investigation
of complex and novel materials systems and interfaces: Nano-, organic,
and bio-materials are the main focus of our research. Our world-unique
electrospray thin film deposition system, which is integrated into
our surface science system, enables the investigation of interfaces
and multi-layers of macro-molecular materials without interference
of contamination. Such experiments can for example answer questions
like:
- What is the interaction between molecular and inorganic materials?
- Are
there chemical reactions at the interface?
- Is band bending across the interface induced due to the deposited
material?
- Does the molecular material degrade
upon deposition?
- Has the ambient atmosphere an influence on the quality
of the interface?
- What is the electronic structure of the interface?
How large are the charge injection barriers?
- Download our paper
on Gaq3 on Mg as an example for such measurements on a reactive
interface.
- Work function
measurements (click here for a tutorial on work function measurements):
Our unique methodology based on low intensity x-ray
photoemission spectroscopy (LIXPS) alleviates commonly encountered
charging and surface photochemistry issues during work function measurements.
In comparison to Kelvin probe measurements, these measurements yield
absolute work functions which do not need to be calibrated against
a known surface. Our measurement methodology allows
- to directly correlate morphology and composition with work
function
- to measure the absolute work function on most
materials, including UV and x-ray sensitive materials such as ITO
or polymers (see our publications (1)
(2)
on ITO and LIXPS work function measurements).
- Simple sample characterization with photoemission spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and scanning
electron microscopy.
We offer several modes of interaction with industrial
sponsors/partners:
- Larger projects can be executed through grants
given to the university. This is the mostly used mechanism for longer-term
interactions for more complex research projects. Typically funding
for a graduate student, supplies, instrument time and faculty release
are part of a grant budget.
- For more short term projects, such as simple sample
characterization, literature or feasibility studies, we offer
consulting services, which can be billed on a per-item basis. A comprehensive
report will be provided for each contract, and Dr. Schlaf will be available
to discuss results as needed.
- International sponsors can be accommodated through
the consulting mechanism.
Intellectual Property:
- Like all university employees, Dr. Schlaf and
his group are subject to USF policies with regard to intellectual property
issues. Non-disclosure/confidentiality agreements are welcomed before
initiation of discussions or projects. IP related conditions need to
be negotiated on a case by case basis with the USF Patents and Licensing
Office. Dr. Schlaf will help coordinating such negotiations.
Contact and inquiries: Please, contact Dr. Schlaf
directly via email or phone for inquiries and to discuss your project:
|
|