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Nanoelectronics - ELE00023H

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  • Department: Electronic Engineering
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Atsufumi Hirohata
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
    • See module specification for other years: 2022-23

Module summary

The Nanoelectronics module contains lectures and workshops with a focus on the quantum mechanics and their applications in nanoelectronic devices. Especially, key quantum mechanical phenomena, such as quantum tunnelling, harmonic oscillator, magnetic spins and quantum statistics, are described in details. Their equation-solving is carried out in the workshops.

 

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2021-22

Module aims

Subject content aims:

  • To introduce the students to electron transport in nanoelectronic, spintronic and organic devices
  • To explain the principles and development of quantum mechanics
  • To apply quantum mechanics to nanoelectronic devices
  • To explain the principle and the operation of nanoelectronic devices

Graduate skills aims:

  • To develop skills in the selection and application of appropriate numeric and algebraic techniques

Module learning outcomes

Subject content learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will:

  • Be able to differentiate between microelectronic and nanoelectronic devices
  • Understand the density of states in 3D, 2D, 1D and 0D devices
  • Understand the length scales associated with quantum mechanical phenomena
  • Be able to explain the fundamental physics and quantum mechanics that underpin nanoelectronic: photoelectric effect, de Broglie wave, atomic models, uncertainty principle, wave function, Schrödinger equation, eigenfunctions, quantum numbers, probability densities, angular momentum, electron spin
  • Be able to explain the concepts of a quantum well, quantum transport and tunnelling effects
  • Be able to use quantum mechanics to calculate the energy levels of periodic structures and nanostructures
  • Be able to use quantum mechanics to calculate quantum tunnelling behaviour
  • Be able to describe the principle and operation of tunnelling, spintronic, low-dimensional and organic nanodevices: quantum dots, nanowires, nanopillars, magnetoresistance, spin-dependent electron transport, organic electronics and single electron transistors
  • Be able to give examples of applications of nanoelectronic devices
  • Have developed confidence and fluency in advanced mathematical calculations

Graduate skills learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will:

  • Be able to explain and evaluate advanced technical concepts concisely and accurately
  • Be able to select, adapt and apply a range of mathematical techniques to solve advanced problems

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Nanoelectronics - Tutorial Questions		 N/A 50
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Nanoelectronics		 8 hours 50

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Nanoelectronics - Tutorial Questions		 N/A 50
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Nanoelectronics		 8 hours 50

Module feedback

'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme.  We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments.

A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback.  This can be found at https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/assessment-and-examination/guide-to-assessment/

The Department of Electronic Engineering aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme.  In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work.  Students are provided with their examination results within 20 working days of the end of any given examination period.  The Department will also endeavour to return all coursework feedback within 20 working days of the submission deadline.  The Department would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback.  The Department will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum.  Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate.  Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date. 

Indicative reading

K. Goser, P. Glosekotter and J. Diestuhl, Nanoelectronics and Nanosystems (Springer, Berlin, 2004).

V. V. Mitin, V. A. Kochelap and M. A. Stroscio, Introduction to Nanoelectronics (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2008).

D. Natelson, Nanostructures and Nanotechnology (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2016).

D. J. Griffiths, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (Cambridge University Press Cambridge, 2017).

G. L. Squires, Problems in Quantum Mechanics (Cambridge University Press Cambridge, 1995).


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.