Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2020 - 2021

Module Title	Nanotechnology and Surface Analysis
Module Code	PS413
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr Tony Cafolla	Office Number	N141
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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
Lecture	30	No Description
Independent Study	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 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) 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	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

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
Unavailable

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

Programme or List of Programmes

AP	BSc in Applied Physics
PBM	BSc Physics with Biomedical Sciences
PHA	BSc in Physics with Astronomy

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