Spring 2005
Instructors: Prof. Mark Hybertsen and Prof. Norton Lang
Department of Electrical Engineering

Course Description: One of the fascinating features of nanoscale systems is the pervasive impact of quantum phenomena. This course will give a representative introduction to the important conceptual models used to understand electronic states and transport phenomena at the nanoscale. Topics to be covered will include ballistic conduction at the nanoscale, the Landauer formula and quantization of conductance, interaction of molecules with surfaces, principles of operation of the scanning tunneling microscope, scattering theory for ballistic conduction through molecules and the Coulomb blockade transport regime. The material will be presented through a series of lectures supplemented by computer based models and discussion of results from the research literature. As part of the course, students will explore the current research literature and present a summary of a recent research paper. Who should take this course: This graduate level course is specifically intended for students involved in or considering research in nanoscience, for example in the Columbia NSEC (Center for Electron Transport in Molecular Nanostructures). This course will help fill the gap between your basic course work and the research literature. Familiarity with this material should facilitate your analysis of your research results and develop your ability to critically assess the work of other researchers.

Prerequisites: Undergraduate quantum mechanics (equivalent to one of APPH E3100y, APPH E4100x, CHEM C3080y, PHYS G4021x).

Textbook: Technical articles plus two books are recommended:
S. Datta, Electronic Transport in Mesoscopic Systems, ISBN 0521599431 A. Zangwill, Physics at Surfaces, ISBN 0521347521

Grades will be based upon homework assignments, in class presentations and a final paper.

E6908 in the Columbia University Directory of Classes