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 of low-dimensional materials 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 nanoribbons

Learning Prerequisites

Recommended courses

Basic knowledge in solid state physics

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the differences of solid state at reduced dimenons 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.

 

Resources

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

No

Notes/Handbook

Course material provided on Moodle.

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

Related courses

Results from graphsearch.epfl.ch.