Module: Nanotechnology & Surface Analysis

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Nanotechnology & Surface Analysis
Module Code	PS413 (ITS) / PHY1061 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Karsten Fleischer
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination
Array

Description

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.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Online activity	25	Interactive online content including formative assessment, partially replacing lectures
Lecture	15	Parts of the module content is presented in regular lectures
Assignment Completion	12	Summative timed Loop Quizzes (2h every 2nd week)
Assignment Completion	5	Keeping a reflective journal on module progress
Tutorial	4	In-class tutorial sessions to address student questions on lecture and online material, reviewing CA quizzes and going through past exam questions
Workshop	3	Lab visits and topical workshops
Seminars	2	Research presentation by PhD students to the undergaduate class
Independent Study	54	Revising all teaching material, optional reading, preparation for CA quizzes
Total Workload: 120

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 nanomaterials A 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) Underlying vacuum technology

Special topics in nanoscale science and technology
Student choice, 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	40%	Examination Weight	60%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Reflective journal	Students customise there course content by selecting part of the module content (content and timing). The journal will ask to note down why they choose certain course material over others and help identifying their interest in aspects of Nanotechnology	5%	Other
Completion of online activity	Some course content is delivered via self-guided online workbooks with embedded formative quizzes. Completion of this material will be monitored and be part of the grade.	10%	Every Week
Loop Quiz	Lecture material as well as Mandatory Online material will be regularly (every second week) examined in Lop quizzes with variations of MCQ and numerical questions.	20%	Every Second Week
Assignment	One specific assignment will ask to review a research article chosen by the student and concisely summarise it given specific attention to the type of synthesis paradigm.	5%	Week 21

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

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