NFYB22000U Quantum Phenomena in Nanosystems (Nano3)

Volume 2024/2025
Education

BSc Programme in Nanoscience

Content

The aim of the course is to give students an introduction to experimental nanoelectronics and thus, an understanding of quantum phenomena and electron transport in nanosystems. The course integrates theoretical concepts and experiments and is aimed specifically at students in Nanoscience (bachelor). Following up on their previous course in quantum mechanics, basic theoretical background in solid state physics is discussed, namely the free electron model and band structure. From the perspective of a physicist, we introduce different materials (e.g. semiconductors, metals, insulators). We discuss the emergence of quasi two-dimensional electron gases in semiconducting heterostructures and how they are manufactured and characterized in a Hall bar geometry (carrier density, carrier mobility), before discussing the integer quantum Hall effect that arises under application of a strong perpendicular magnetic field.

 

Experimental part: A number of laboratory exercises each of 2-4 hours duration are performed. In exceptional cases, provided data may replace an experimental exercise. The exercises deal with:

 

A) Production of a nanoscale device: The use of a cleanroom for the production of microcircuits by photolithography is exemplified by the etching of a semiconductor Hall bar.

B) Learning 2-wire, 4-wire, and lock-in measurement techniques and use them to investigate I-V characteristics of a carbon resistor, a lightbulb, and an LED.

C) Low-temperature measurements of a Hall bar, where the charge carrier concentration is determined by two different methods: Hall effect and Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations (4 K, up to 2 Tesla). The onset of the integer quantum Hall effect is discussed by comparison with data obtained at even lower temperatures and even larger magnetic fields.

 

The exercises are documented with reports, which form the basis for the oral examination.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

After the course, students will have basic knowledge of the manufacture and physical properties of selected nanoscale devices and will be able to explain the basic quantum mechanical concepts that are behind the observed phenomena.

 

Skills:  

  • Explain the band structure of solids, including the difference between metals, semiconductors, and insulators.
  • Explain why electrical measurements in nanosystems may be different from everyday (macroscopic) electrical components.
  • Describe the manufacture of selected electrical nanodevices.
  • Demonstrate theoretical understanding of selected quantum phenomena within electron transport in nanosystems.
  • Perform simple, illustrative calculations for quantitative description of these phenomena.
  • Apply the theory to experimental data, including interpretation of the results obtained in the exercises.
  • Reproduce (qualitatively) graphs that reproduce typical experimental data, as well as describe trends and characteristics in the graphs.
  • Formulate a correct and comprehensible report for each of the experiments performed, including selecting and presenting the most relevant information within the scope of the report.

 

Competences:

The course gives the student competence to be able to acquire further knowledge within the subject, e.g. by following advanced courses in quantum physics or condensed matter physics.

Through the experimental part of the course, the students will be trained in gathering, interpreting, and presenting data (both in written and oral form), as well as shedding light on the differences/similarities between theory and practice for the phenomena.

Literature

The course website will provide information regarding reading materials and recorded lectures.

The students are expected to have taken basic courses in physics, mathematics, quantum mechanics, and calculus.
In class, we will discuss online lectures and reading material that the students engage with before each lecture. In laboratory exercises, groups of students will together enter the cleanroom or perform low-temperature measurements, assisted by teachers or TAs. Students prepare for lectures, lab exercises, and lab reports independently.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Preparation
  • 165,5
  • Practical exercises
  • 20
  • Exercises
  • 20
  • Exam
  • 0,5
  • Total
  • 206,0
Written
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)

Oral discussion of student work in class.

Written feedback on lab report(s).

Peer feedback on student presentations (students give each other feedback).

Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Continuous assessment, written assignments during course
Oral examination, 20 minutes (no preparation)
Type of assessment details
Written assignments, 50% of course grade
Oral test (no preparation), 20 min, 50% of course grade

The oral exam covers the content of the laboratory exercises and the theoretical material covered in the course.

The final grade is calculated as the average of the two parts, which do not have to be passed separately.

If the student does not hand in the written assignments or participate in the oral exam, this part will be counted as -3.

If one part of the exam is passed but not the entire exam, this will carry over to the re-exam.
Exam registration requirements

The student must participate in all laboratory experiments.

Aid
Only certain aids allowed

Only certain aids are allowed, such as a small “cheat sheet” with keywords, as discussed in class.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal assessors
Re-exam

Same as the ordinary exam.

Experimental participation requirements cannot be disregarded. Students who do not meet the requirements must follow the course again.

If the student has not passed the written assignments during the course, revised assignments can be submitted two weeks before the date of the oral reexam.

Criteria for exam assesment

See Learning Outcomes