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Nanosystems 1 (Physics of Nano-Electronics)

Module PH2091

This module handbook serves to describe contents, learning outcome, methods and examination type as well as linking to current dates for courses and module examination in the respective sections.

Basic Information

PH2091 is a semester module in English language at Master’s level which is offered in winter semester.

This module description is valid to SS 2013.

If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.

Total workloadContact hoursCredits (ECTS)
150 h 75 h 5 CP

Responsible coordinator of the module PH2091 is Alexander Holleitner.

Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions

Content

This module gives an overview over the electronic properties of nanoscale circuits and systems. After a topical and historic introduction, "top down" and "bottom-up" methods of nanolithography and -fabrication are presented. Then, the impact of the spatial confinement on the electronic states as well as the electronic transport properties of low-dimensional electron systems is discussed. Furthermore, phase-coherent transport phenomena, magneto quantum transport in low-dimensional electron systems, Coulomb blockade effects, single electron and single spin phenomena are presented. In addition, thermoelectric and optoelectronic phenomena in nanoscale circuits are introduced. A further emphasis is put on topical material systems, such as graphene, topological insulators, nanoparticles, single molecules and proteins, carbon nanotubes, and nanoscale semiconductor circuits.

Learning Outcome

After a successful participation of the module, the student is able to:
1) specify common "top down" and "bottom up" methods of nanofabrication.
2) discuss the impact of spatial confinement on the electronic properties of nanosystems.
3) explain and specify phase-coherent transport phenomena in nanoscale circuits.
4) explain magneto quantum transport phenomena such as the quantum Hall effect.
5) explain and specify single electron and single spin processes in solid state based nanosystems.
6) explain thermoelectric phenomena in nanoscale circuits.
7) differentiate between the different optically induced current contributions in nanoscale systems.

Preconditions

There are no access requirements beyond the ones for the master study.

Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature

Courses and Schedule

TypeSWSTitleLecturer(s)DatesLinks
VU 4 Nanosystems 1 Holleitner, A. singular or moved dates

Learning and Teaching Methods

lecture, beamer presentation, board work, exercises in individual and group work, discussion

Media

Lecture script, practise sheets, accompanying internet site, complementary literature

Literature

J. H. Davies: The Physics of Low-Dimensional Semiconductors (Cambridge University Press, 1998),
T. Ihn, Semiconductor Nanostructures: Quantum states and electronic transport. (Oxford, 2010)
T. Heinzel: Mesoscopic Electronics in Solid State Nanostructures, (Wiley VCH, 2003),
C. Weisbuch and B. Vinter: Quantum Semiconductor Structures, (Academic Press-1991),
Bushan, Bharat (Editor): “Springer Handbook of Nanotechnology”, (2nd revised and extended edition)

Module Exam

Description of exams and course work

In an oral exam the learning outcome is tested using comprehension questions and sample problems.

In accordance with §12 (8) APSO the exam can be done as a written test. In this case the time duration is 60 minutes.

Remarks on associated module exams

The exam for this module can be taken together with the exam to the associated follow-up module PH2092: Nanosystems 2 / Nanosysteme 2 after the follwoing semester. In this case you need to register for both exams in the following semester.

Exam Repetition

The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester. There is a possibility to take the exam in the following semester.

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