Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title
Module Code
School
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Patrick McNally
Semester 2: Patrick McNally
Autumn: Patrick McNally
Module TeacherPatrick McNally
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
Nanoelectronics has become one of the most important and exciting fields in the forefront of engineering, physics, chemistry and biology. The technology and the possibilities of engineering at the nanoscale shows great promise for delivering many breakthroughs that will impact on technological advances in a wide range of applications from chemical to electronic to optronic to medical.

Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate a graduate level of knowledge of the applications of Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronics.
2. Possess the technical capability to appreciate and contribute to the technical development in the field.
3. Show a skill set that captures the interdisciplinarity of nanoscale engineering and science.
4. Write a professional review of a current scientific or engineering issue in nanoelectronics.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture36No Description
Independent learning152Including review paper
Total Workload: 188

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Indicative Syllabus.
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics: Classical particles and phenomena, wave packets, why quantum mechanics?, the Bohr atomic model; matter waves, the quantum wavefunction, the Schrödinger equation, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, quantum wells.Introduction to Physics of the Solid State: Crystal structure and lattice vibrations; energy bands, reciprocal space, effective masses, Fermi surfaces, localised particles e.g. donors, traps, excitons.Methods of Measuring Properties: Crystallography – particle size determination and surface structure; microscopy; spectroscopy.Properties of Individual Nanoparticles: Metal nanoclusters, semiconducting nanoparticles, rare gas and molecular clusters, synthesis methods.Carbon Nanostructures: Carbon molecules, carbon clusters – C60 and fullerenes; carbon nanotubes; applications of carbon nanotubes.Bulk Nanostructured Materials: Solid disordered nanostructures – synthesis and properties; nanostructured crystals – zeolites, photonic crystals.Nanostructured Ferromagnetism: Ferromagnetism; dynamics of nanomagnets, giant and colossal magnetoresistance; ferrofluids..Optical and Vibrational Spectroscopy: Excitons; infrared surface spectroscopy; Raman spectroscopy; Brillouin spectroscopy; Luminescence – photoluminescence, surface states, thermoluminescence.Quantum Wells, Wires and Dots: Preparation; size and dimensionality effects; excitons; single-electron tunnelling; applications – IR detectors, quantum dot lasers; superconductivity.Self-Assembly and Catalysis: process of self-assembly; catalysis.Nano Machines and Devices: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS); nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS); molecular and supramolecular switches..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Report (s) (written / oral)Professional Review Paper25%Sem 1 End
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category
Indicative Reading List
  • H. M. Rosenberg: 1988, The solid state, 019-8518706
  • 0: Module Web Notes and Lecture Videos,
Other Resources
None
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
Timetable this semester: Timetable for
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