Frontiers in nanosciences

PHYS-407 / 3 crédits

Enseignant(s): Kern Klaus, Pivetta Marina, Rusponi Stefano

Langue: Anglais

Summary

The students understand the relevant experimental and theoretical concepts of the nanoscale science. The course move from basic concepts like quantum size effects to €˜hot fields€™ such as spin transport for data storage applications (spintronics), carbon electronics, or nanocatalysis.

Content

1. Introduction to the concepts of nanoscale science
2. The art of making nanostructures:
a. Bottom-up assembly
b. Top-down fabrication
3. Quantum structures and devices:
a. Current at the nanoscale
b. Quantum technology
4. Carbon nanotechnology:
a. From fullerenes to graphene
b. Molecular electronics and machines
5. Microscopy and manipulation tools:
a. Electron microscopy
b. Scanning probe microscopy: STM, AFM, MFM
6. Spectroscopy tools:
a. Electron and photon spectroscopy: XPS, XAS, Auger
b. Electron and photon diffraction: LEED, TEM, SXRD
c. Synchrotron radiation
7. Magnetism at the nanoscale:
a. Orbital and spin magnetic moment
b. Superparamagnetic limit in magnetic data storage
8. From electronics to spintronics:
a. 2D electron gas at heterogeneous semiconductor interfaces
b. Single electron transistor
c. Spin transport: spin valve, GMR and TMR effects

Learning Prerequisites

Recommended courses

Solid state physics

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the differences between nanoscopic and macroscopic scale
  • Analyze the results of a scientific experiment
  • Design a scientific experiment

Transversal skills

  • Summarize an article or a technical report.
  • Access and evaluate appropriate sources of information.
  • Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra with visiting of laboratories at EPFL and the Max-Planck-Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, Germany

Assessment methods

oral exam (100%)

Resources

Ressources en bibliothèque

Websites

Moodle Link

Dans les plans d'études

  • Semestre: Automne
  • Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
  • Matière examinée: Frontiers in nanosciences
  • Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Exercices: 1 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Type: optionnel
  • Semestre: Automne
  • Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
  • Matière examinée: Frontiers in nanosciences
  • Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Exercices: 1 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Type: optionnel
  • Semestre: Automne
  • Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
  • Matière examinée: Frontiers in nanosciences
  • Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Exercices: 1 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Type: optionnel
  • Semestre: Automne
  • Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
  • Matière examinée: Frontiers in nanosciences
  • Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Exercices: 1 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Type: optionnel

Semaine de référence

Cours connexes

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