NSCPHD1109 Current Topics in Quantum Devices PhD course

Volume 2016/2017
Content

This course will challenge students to read the contemporary literature in condensed matter physics, and from that generate ideas of how to continue the ideas beyond the forefront of knowledge—to propose new experiments to be carried out. The course will not provide the means of actually performing the experiment, but rather will focus on how to ask “what comes next.” Students will also have an opportunity to review and critique other proposals.

Learning Outcome

Skills:

  • Be able to critically read and discuss a paper from the published experimental condensed matter physics literature.
  • Be able to deduce how the measurements were carried out.
  • Be able to describe new experiments that follow from the existing literature, but which are not yet done.
  • Be able to write a scientific proposal.
  • Be able to read and critique a proposal.

Knowledge:
Students will acquire in-depth knowledge of selected topics in contemporary condensed matter physics, particularly in the area of quantum devices. This includes electronic systems, novel materials, connections to quantum computing, low dimensional systems, and disordered systems.

Competences:
This course builds on experience in reading the scientific literature, to develop sufficient skill and imagination to answer “what should be measured next.” The course will train students to convey new ideas clearly, to be bold without being unrealistic, and to understand how the experiments are done, beyond the significance of the data itself.

Text by T. Ihn (used also in Nanoelectronics), various letters and reviews from the literature.

Bachelor’s level Quantum Mechanics, CMP1, Nanoelectronics 1.
Facility in writing English, familiarity with quantum mechnaics and condensed matter physics.
Weekly lecture, weekly discussion group, student presentations, student evaluation of proposals.
Restricted elective for specialisation "Quantum Physics"
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Course Preparation
  • 12
  • Exercises
  • 12
  • Exercises
  • 12
  • Lectures
  • 40
  • Preparation
  • 50
  • Preparation
  • 80
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
One final research proposal of roughly 10 pages.
Exam registration requirements

The following needs to be approved: One research proposal of roughly 10 pages. Four evaluations of proposals roughly 2 pages each. One oral presentation, 20 minutes during the term.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Internal. Evaluation by the two instructors.
Re-exam

Same as ordinary exam; a research proposal of roughly 10 pages should be submitted. If all parts of the exam registration requirement were submitted, the parts that were not approved (if any) may be re-submitted no later than two weeks before the exam. A student who did not submit these parts during the term may not take the re-exam, but must follow the course again.

Criteria for exam assesment

Quality and originality of ideas. Clarity and accuracy of writing. Quality of evaluation of the work of others.