Nanoscience II

The course introduces the basic concepts and theories of low-dimensional physics with a focus on charge transport in structures on the nanometer scale. Starting from established theory in solid state physics and semiconductor physics, the course covers the effects that appear when the dimensions and length scales diminish, which makes the semiclassic theory of electron dynamics no longer relevant. The course covers the following: <br> \-Semiclassic theory of charge transport, the Boltzmann equation. <br> \-The band structure of semiconductors and graphene, the tight-binding method. <br> \-Metal-semiconductor interfaces and two-dimensional electron gases in semiconductor heterostructures, nanostructures based upon two-dimensional electron gases <br> \-Ballistic charge transport, nanowires, quantum point contacts, quantised conductance, Landauer-Büttiker formalism. <br> \-Electron dynamics in a magnetic field, the quantised Hall effect. <br> \-Phase coherence, the Aharonov-Bohm effect, resonant tunneling. <br> \-Single electron tunneling (SET), the Coulomb blockade, SET transistor, the electronic structure of quantum dots. <br> \-Introduction to spintronics.