Andrew Benniston

Biography

As co-founder of the Molecular Photonics Laboratory (MPL) at Newcastle in 2001, my role is primarily concerned with the design and synthesis of multi-component supermolecules for fundamental studies in energy and/or electron transfer. A more recent aspect is applying the developed systems for photonic applications such as real-time monitoring of physical processes in nano-environments, solid-state luminescence pressure-sensitive materials, photochromic materials for data recording, and fluorescence sensors for biological imaging. The complexity of the molecular systems produced depends greatly on the problem to be addressed, but high purity and full structural characterisation are paramount. Background The Molecular Photonics Laboratory (MPL) was set up in 2001 to allow the synthesis and investigation (spectroscopic & theoretical) of photoactive molecular-scale systems to be carried out in the same institute. The MPL group is multidisciplinary, where members from all backgrounds participate in a weekly meeting where progress updates are given and current literature reviewed. Roles and Responsibilities Deputy Head of School for Natural & Environmental Sciences Head of Chemistry Co-Director of Molecular Photonics Laboratory Module Leader CHY1402 Qualifications PhD University of Warwick BSc (hons) 1st Chemistry: University of Warwick FRSC, CChem

Research Interest

Directional Electron Transfer Multidimensional Molecular Switches New Imaging Technology Photochromic Materials Picosecond Time-Resolved Resonance Raman Spectroscopy of Charge- Transfer Intermediates