Model Systems for Characterizing the Intrinsic Properties of Polymer Semiconductors: Oligomers and Single Crystals

DEDICATION To my friends and family, without whom none of this would have been possible. and Jeremy – thank you. v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would first like to my advisors, Professor Alex Briseno and Professor Jim Watkins. Their guidance and support throughout my graduate studies has been phenomenal. Alex has been a treasure trove of information with his encyclopedic knowledge of the literature. Moreover, his creativity in the lab and passion for research have driven me to achieve my goals during my time in PSE. Jim's focus and directed advice were essential for the completion of my research. Seldom have I met such an insightful scientist who has such a great understanding of both the broad goals of the field as well as the experimental details necessary for impactful research in the lab. I would also like to thank my thesis committee member, Professor Thayumanavan. His support, friendly demeanor, and constructive critique of the research presented here helped greatly in making this work complete and thorough. I must thank the CHM for the support they have given me, both intellectually and financially, during my time at PSE. My fellow group members from both the Briseno and Watkins group were instrumental in keeping me both happy and productive during my time in graduate school. In particular, Lei Zhang was an amazing mentor as well as friend, and I am a better scientist and person having known him. Marcos Reyes was a fellow scientist I could always depend on, whether I needed advice on an experiment or just a laugh and camaraderie. Dongpo Song is one of the most thoughtful scientists that I have had the pleasure of working with and our collaborations were both numerous and impactful. Joelle Labastide helped me keep my sanity during tough times and I will be forever grateful for her support and knowledge. Professor Henning Winter is an amazing vi scientist with a wonderful sense of humor – every conversation that I had with him was truly a pleasure. collaborators; I am both proud and honored to have worked with them. All of the other members of the Briseno and Watkins groups, too numerous to list here, were brilliant colleagues and I am elated to be a part of such a talented group of phenomenal people. I want to thank the PSE Class of 2010 for being so remarkable. They have made the past 5 years enjoyable …