FYSS5401 Physics of Nanoelectronics (6 cr)

Open the course unit brochure on Sisu
Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English, Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Physics
Curriculum periods:
2024-2025, 2025-2026, 2026-2027, 2027-2028

Description

Common to all:
1. Introduction
2. Semiclassical theory 
3. Scattering theory
Four of the following topics:
4. Quantum interference effects (normal systems)
5. Some (mesoscopic) superconductivity
6. Noise and fluctuations 
7. Single-electron tunnelling
8. Quantum dots (incl. double dot qubits)
9. Superconducting tunnel junction devices (incl. qubits)
10. Graphene
11. Nanoelectromechanical systems 
If needed, some other theme linking to the overall topic (such as spintronics, quantum Hall effect, Luttinger liquids, …) 

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the students will be able to

  • Identify and use the most relevant techniques for the theoretical description of electrical conduction in small conductors

  • Connect the theoretical concepts to the possible measurements on small conductors

  • Justify the use of Ohm’s law in small conductors, and its validity range

  • Describe the most relevant (quantum) phenomena that break the Ohm’s law in small conductors

  • Read and assess recent scientific publications on nanoelectronics, identifying the phenomenon studied there, and ways of characterizing it 

Description of prerequisites

  • FYSA2030 and FYSA2032 Quantum mechanics, parts A&B

  • FYSS5301 and FYSS5302 Condensed Matter Physics, parts A&B

  • Recommended: FYSS7531-FYSS7532 Quantum mechanics 2

Literature

  • T.T. Heikkilä: "The Physics of Nanoelectronics - Transport and Fluctuation Phenomena at Low Temperatures" (Oxford University Press, 2013).

Completion methods

Method 1

Description:
Given every two years in autumn (starting 2024) if at least 5 student enroll. There is a more independent alternative available (completion method 2).
Evaluation criteria:
Exercises (max 35 points), group presentations (2 p/presentation, max 14 points), oral exam (max 40 points). Students for whom oral exam is not possible due to special reasons will get to replace it by a home exam (for example, recommendation on personal study arrangements). At least 10 points from exercises, 10 from exam required.
Time of teaching:
Period 1, Period 2
Select all marked parts

Method 2

Description:
The course can be completed any time, the student has to contact the teacher.
Evaluation criteria:
Exercises (40 %), project (30 %), oral exam (30 %).
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x

Participation in teaching (6 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
Exercises (max 35 points), group presentations (2 p/presentation, max 14 points), oral exam (max 40 points). Students for whom oral exam is not possible due to special reasons will get to replace it by a home exam (for example, recommendation on personal study arrangements). At least 10 points from exercises, 10 from exam required.
Language:
English, Finnish
Study methods:

  • Exercises, tutorials with mini-lectures

  • Group presentations   

Teaching

x

Independent study (6 cr)

Type:
Independent study
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
Exercises (40 %), project (30 %), oral exam (30 %).
Language:
English, Finnish
Study methods:

  • 28 exercises from 7 chapters in the course book

  • Small independent project on a topic linking to the theme (around 10 page report)

  • Oral exam  

Teaching