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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2020 - 2021

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

This module introduces research students to the emerging field of nanometer scale science and technology and surface analysis. 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 and surfaces.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop and articulate a systematic understanding of knowledge at, or informed by, the forefront of research both qualitatively, and quantitatively of the application of quantum mechanics to nanostructures and devices.
2. Develop and articulate a systematic understanding of knowledge at, or informed by, the forefront of research both qualitatively, and quantitatively of both hard and soft materials in nanotechnology.
3. Develop and articulate a systematic understanding of knowledge at, or informed by, the forefront of research both qualitatively, and quantitatively of the top-down and bottom-up approaches to nanotechnology and demonstrate this systematic understanding by categorising various approaches.
4. Develop and articulate a systematic understanding of knowledge at, or informed by, the forefront of research both qualitatively, and quantitatively of the principles of microscopy on the nanoscale.
5. Develop and articulate a systematic understanding of knowledge at, or informed by, the forefront of research both qualitatively, and quantitatively of experimental methods for the surface characterisation of nanoscale materials.
6. Demonstrate this systematic understanding by preparing and delivering a brief presentation outlining the key scientific elements underpinning a particular topic in nanotechnology or surface analysis of relevance to the student's own research project.
7. Demonstrate this systematic understanding and also demonstrate a critical awareness of the main issues in a particular topic in nanotechnology or surface analysis by undertaking a literature survey on a particular topic of relevance to the student's own research project.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture248 x 3 hour workshops – 24 hours total
Tutorial66 x tutorials – 6 hours total
Independent Study95Study for lectures and tutorials (31 hours), work on presentation preparation (25 hours), work on literature survey (25 hours), preparation for examination (20 hours).
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% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
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

  • S.M. Lindsay: 2010, Introduction to Nanoscience, 1, Oxford University Press, UK, 9780199544219
  • D. Natelson: 2015, Nanostructures and Nanotechnology, 1, Cambridge University Press, UK, 9780521877008
  • 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
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