Molecular Materials: Frontiers in Functional Design

The 2nd Gordon Research Conference in this series, sub-titled "Frontiers in Functional Design", will build upon the theme of the first meeting, which focused on "understanding and controlling emergent properties" in conducting and magnetic molecular materials. Research in this area is currently at an exciting juncture, as fundamental discoveries lead the way to novel functionalities aimed toward future applications. Molecular materials stand apart from more traditional compounds, due to the exquisite control exerted by chemists over the relevant energy scales. For example, not only can one control crystal packing and, therefore, intermolecular interactions that govern conductivity and long-range magnetic interactions, one can also tune the intrinsic properties of the molecular building blocks, such as the on-site Coulomb repulsion and spin-orbit coupling. Moreover, emergent behavior typically depends on a delicate balance between multiple energy scales that may differ considerably from those of conventional materials. In this sense, molecular building blocks may be thought of as "designer atoms", providing access to new physical phenomena and novel functionality. This drives strong interdisciplinary collaboration and technical innovation, as seen in recent demonstrations of single molecule devices. These aspects are currently attracting many young researchers to this growing international research field. The aim of this GRC and the accompanying GRS is to bring together leading experts to discuss current frontiers and to chart the way forward in terms of designing new materials with desired functionality; a 2nd important aim is to educate the many younger scientists who are expected to attend the GRC and GRS, all of whom will be asked to present their latest work as a poster presentation. Both fundamental and applied aspects of conductivity and magnetism in molecular materials will be discussed, because these are intimately related and cross-fertilization between these areas is essential to progress in this area. Topics that will be emphasized include: molecular spin qubits and quantum information; organic and molecular magnets; single-molecule spintronics devices; organic photovoltaics; quantum electronic materials; organic conductors and superconductors; photo-switchable materials; magnetic/conducting hybrid materials; materials in extreme environments and far from equilibrium; and ultrafast light matter interactions.