The Bio, Liquid Crystal and Electronics Materials and Packaging Group focuses on development of new materials and processes for bio, liquid crystal and electronics applications. The major focus of the research is towards development of nanomaterials based technology. This includes nanoscaffolds for stem cell proliferation and differentiation, nano-thermal interface materials, nanocooling devices as well as nano lead free solders and adhesives for electronics cooling and interconnects applications. The final goal is to develop platforms for heterogeneous integration including biological cells as functional parts in future electronic systems.

The Material Physics and Carbon Engineering Group uses theoretical physics and advanced computing to solve science and technology problems in materials, nano, and biophysics as well as for energy, ICT, and industry applications. Our emphasis is on predictive (that is, parameter free) accounts. We are key contributors to the successful development of the van der Waals density functional (vdW-DF) method. This method and other contributions are now helping to bring the leverage of density functional theory calculations to bear on the very broad class of sparse-matter systems, thus accelerating progress in a range of science and technology programs.