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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2005 - 2006

Module Title Fundamentals Nano.Technology(Nanoelectronics)
Module Code EE559
School School of Electronic Engineering

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorProf Patrick McNallyOffice NumberS347
Level 5 Credit Rating 7.5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Module Aims
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
Having successfully completed this subject, the student will: 1. have a practical overview of the applications of Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronics. 2. have the technical capability to appreciate and contribute to the technical development in the field. 3. develop a deep understanding of the interdisciplinarity of nanoscale engineering and science.

Indicative Time Allowances
Hours
Lectures 36
Tutorials
Laboratories
Seminars
Independent Learning Time 76.5

Total 112.5
Placements
Assignments
NOTE
Assume that a 7.5 credit module load represents approximately 112.5 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus
1. 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. 2. Methods of Measuring Properties: Crystallography - particle size determination and surface structure; microscopy; spectroscopy. 3. Properties of Individual Nanoparticles: Metal nanoclusters, semiconducting nanoparticles, rare gas and molecular clusters, synthesis methods. 4. Carbon Nanostructures: Carbon molecules, carbon clusters - C60 and fulllerenes; carbon nanotubes; applications of carbon nanotubes.. 5. Bulk Nanostructured Materials: Solid disordered nanostructures - synthesis and properties; nanostructured crystals - zeolites, photonic crystals. 6. Nanostructured Ferromagnetism: Ferromagnetism; dynamics of nanomagnets, giant and colossal magnetoresistance; ferrofluids.. 7. Optical and Vibrational Spectroscopy: Excitons; infrared surface spectroscopy; Raman spectroscopy; Brillouin spectroscopy; Luminescence - photoluminescence, surface states, thermoluminescence.. 8. Quantum Wells, Wires and Dots: Preparation; size and dimensionality effects; excitons; single-electron tunnelling; applications - IR detectors, quantum dot lasers; superconductivity. 9. Self-Assembly and Catalysis: process of self-assembly; catalysis.. 10. Organic Compounds and Polymers: Forming and characterising polymers; nanocrystals; conductive polymers; supramolecular structures - dendritic molecules, micelles. 11. Biological Materials: Biological building blocks - polypeptide nanowires and protein nanoparticles; nucleic acids - DNA, genetic code and protein synthesis.. 12. Nano Machines and Devices: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS); nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS); molecular and supramolecular switches..
Assessment
Continuous Assessment25% Examination Weight75%
Indicative Reading List
Programme or List of Programmes
BSSAStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAOStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
ECSAStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAOStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
GCESGrad Cert. in Electronic Systems
GDEGraduate Diploma in Electronic Systems
HMSAStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAOStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
IFPESPG Int. Foundation Prog.(Elec. Systems)
IFPTEPG Int. Foundation Prog.: Telecomm.Eng
MENMEng in Electronic Systems
MENNMEng in Electronic Systems/Major in Nano
MTCMEng in Telecommunications Engineering
SHSAStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAOStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
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