This is an image of a conducting polymer, polyaniline, on a crystalline silicon surface. The polyaniline dispersion did not "wet" the silicon surface and hence the polymer formed islands rather than a uniform film. Such non-uniform films are bad for the device performance and we try hard to prevent this from happening. This image was the result of a failed attempt late one night but it had an uplifting message: Don't lose heart, keep trying AND smiling!