Physics of low dimensional materials

PHYS-474 / 4 credits

Teacher: Wäckerlin Christian

Language: English

Summary

This course covers the concepts and physics of matter at reduced dimensions. The fabrication and characterization as well as their potential application is discussed. The critical review and presentation of scientific publications is trained.

Content

  • Low-dimensional properties in 3D materials: Bulk materials that can be thought of as effectively 2D or 1D
  • Artificial low-D materials in solid state: heterostructures, 2D electron gasses, superlattices
  • Single-layer low-D materials: overview and fabrication (top-down, bottom-up)
  • Analysis and characterization by scanning probe microscopy, photoemission and other surface analytical methods
  • Quantum transport
  • Polyacetylene - a prototypical 1D material
  • Electronic transport/band structure at reduced dimension
  • Surface states, topological effects
  • Magnetism at reduced dimensions: Magnetic ordering, single molecule magnetism
  • Physics of 2D and 1D carbon allotropes: graphene and graphene nanoribbon

 

Learning Prerequisites

Recommended courses

Basic knowledge in solid state physics

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Explain the differences of solid state at reduced dimensions with respect to bulk matter
  • Critique a scientific publication/result
  • Interpret knowledge of several specific experimental methods

Transversal skills

  • Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking
  • Summarize an article or a technical report.
  • Make an oral presentation.
  • Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.
  • Access and evaluate appropriate sources of information.

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra with exercises in class.

Students' presentations of scientific articles.

 

Assessment methods

50% oral exam, 25% exercises, 25% student presentation

Student presentation: each student reviews and presents a paper that is critically discussed in class.

 

 

Supervision

Office hours No
Assistant.e.s No
Forum No

Resources

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

No

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Physics of low dimensional materials
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Physics of low dimensional materials
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Physics of low dimensional materials
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Oral (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Physics of low dimensional materials
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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