Registry

Module Specifications

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

Module Title	Nanotechnology and Surface Analysis
Module Code	PS413
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Tony Cafolla Semester 2: Tony Cafolla Autumn: Tony Cafolla
Module Teacher	Tony Cafolla
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

INACTIVE - This module provides an introductory overview of the emerging field of nanometer scale science and technology. This includes: an understanding of relevant basic scientific principles underpinning nanotechnology; an appreciation of some important nanomaterials and their growth, characterization and applications; an appreciation of relevant tools and processes for measuring and characterizing nanosize objects.

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply the principles of quantum mechanics to nanostructures and devices.
2. Discuss the role of both hard and soft materials in nanotechnology.
3. Categorise top-down and bottom-up approaches to nanotechnology
4. Explain the principles of microscopy on the nanoscale.
5. Describe experimental methods for the characterisation of nanoscale materials.
6. Source research articles on a particular topic and explain the work presented.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	30	No Description
Independent learning	95	No Description
Total Workload: 125

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

Prerequisite physics background.
Review of (i) elementary quantum mechanics; (ii) elementary statistical physics;(iii) essentials of solid state physics.

Synthesis and fabrication of nanomaterials.
Description of MBE, CVD, lithography, pattern transfer, chemical methods, etc.Discussion of growth mechanisms and stability of nanomaterialsA survey of known nanomaterials and nanostructures including: nanocrystals, fullerenes, carbon nanotube, semiconductor nanorods, nanocables, quantum wells, quantum dots, quantum wires, superlattices..

Physical properties at the nanoscale.
The effects of quantum confinement on optical and magnetic properties, tunneling phenomena, Coulomb blockade..

Transport at the nanoscale.
(i)Time and length scales of electrons in solids(ii) Statistics of electrons in solids and nanostructures(iii) Density of states of electrons in nanostructures(iv) Electron transport in nanostructures.

Measurement techniques at the nanoscale.
(i)Scanning probes, (ii) Electron microscopy,(iii) Optical and electron spectroscopies, (iv) Calorimetric and mechanical measurements..

Special topics in nanoscale science and technology.
Topics selected from:(i)Nanoelectronics; (ii)Photonic crystals and nanophotonics; (iii)Nano electromechanical systems (NEMS); (iv) Spintronics, (v)Nanomagnetics, (vi)Quantum Computation; (vii) Biotechnology..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	25%	Examination Weight	75%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Report (s) (written / oral)	Research Project	25%	Week 28

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 3

Indicative Reading List

B. Rogers, S. Pennathur, J. Adams: 2008, Nanotechnology: Understanding small systems, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, 9780849382079
V.V.Mitin, V.A. Kochelap and M.A. Stroscio: 2008, Introduction to nanoelectronics, 1, Cambridge University Press, 9780521881722
A. De Stefanis and A.A.G. Tomlinson.: 0, Scanning probe microscopies : from surface structure to nano-scale engineering.,
R. Saito, G. Dresselhaus, M.S. Dresselhaus: 0, Physical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes,
C.P. Poole and F. J. Owen: 2003, Introduction to Nanotechnology,, Wiley Interscience,

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

BSc in Applied Physics

PBM

BSc Physics with Biomedical Sciences

PHA

BSc in Physics with Astronomy

Timetable this semester: Timetable for PS413

Date of Last Revision

31-MAY-10