A Gentle Introduction to Nanotechnology and Nanoscience

Abstract:: While the Greek root nano just means dwarf, the nanoscale has become a giant focus of contemporary science and technology. We will examine the fundamental issues underlying the excitement involved in nanoscale research - what, why and how. Specific topics include assembly, properties, applications and societal issues.

Moore's Law Forever?

Abstract:: In 1965, Gordon Moore observed that the number of transistors on a silicon chip doubled every technology generation (12 months at that time, currently 18-24 months). He predicted that this trend would continue for a while. Forty years later, Moore's Law continues to hold. Since the number of transistors in a circuit is a measure of the circuit's computational power, the doubling of transistor counts compounded over a 40 year period has led to an enormous increase in the performance of electronic devices and a corresponding decrease in their cost per function. The result has shaped our modern world by making computers, personal computers, cell phones, portable music players, personal digital assistants, etc. pervasive. This talk is an overview of a technology that shaped the 20th Century and that may have a similarly profound impact on the 21st Century. I'll explain how engineers double the number of transistors per chip, the challenges they face as they strive to continue Moore's Law, and take a brief look at some new technologies that researchers are examining.

Abstract:: These are companion exercises for two lectures offering practical guides to the use of a general device simulator (PROPHET) available on nanoHUB.org. PROPHET is a partial differential equation (PDE) solver that offers users the flexibility of integrating new models and equations for their nano-device simulations. The first lecture covers the basics of PROPHET, including the set-up of simulation structures and parameters based on pre-defined PDE systems. The second lecture uses examples to illustrate how to build user-defined PDE systems in PROPHET. Exercise problems: 1-D Poisson Equation and 2-D Poisson Equation

Abstract:: This course examines the device physics of advanced transistors and the process, device, circuit, and systems considerations that enter into the development of new integrated circuit technologies.

Abstract:: Quantum Dots are man-made artificial atoms that confine electrons to a small space. As such they have atomic-like behavior and enable the study of quantum mechanical effects on a length scale that is around 100 times larger than the pure atomic scale. Quantum dots offer application opportunities in optical sensors, lasers, and advanced electronic devices for memory and logic. This seminar starts with an overview of wavelike and particle like properties and motivates the existence of quantum mechanics. It closes the quantum mechanics point of view with these new fascinating artificial atoms.

Abstract:: The development of "nanotechnology" has made it possible to engineer materials and devices on a length scale as small as several nanometers (atomic distances are ~ 0.1 nm). The properties of such "nanostructures" cannot be described in terms of macroscopic parameters like mobility and diffusion coefficient and a microscopic or atomistic viewpoint is called for. The purpose of this course is to convey the conceptual framework that underlies this microscopic theory of matter which developed in course of the 20th century following the advent of quantum mechanics. However, this requires us to discuss a lot more than just quantum mechanics - it requires an appreciation of some of the most advanced concepts of non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. Traditionally these topics are spread out over many physics/ chemistry courses that take many semesters to cover. Our aim is to condense the essential concepts into a one semester course using electrical engineering related examples. The only background we assume is matrix algebra including familiarity with MATLAB (or an equivalent mathematical software package). We use MATLAB-based numerical examples to provide concrete illustrations and we strongly recommend that the students set up their own computer program on a PC to reproduce the results. This hands-on experience is needed to grasp such deep and diverse concepts in so short a time.