Unit name | Nanophysics |
---|---|
Unit code | PHYS32600 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Dr. Antognozzi |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
Second year physics. |
Co-requisites |
N/A |
School/department | School of Physics |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
In this course we give a basic introduction to the physical principles underlying nanotechnology, and an overview of some of its most promising applications. The course emphasises the importance of producing structure at the nanoscale, both by bottom-up approaches, such as molecular self-assembly, and top-down methods including state-of-the-art forms of lithography utilising the scanning tunnelling microscope and atomic force microscope. The importance of scale to physical properties of materials will be examined. The course will cover aspects of nanoscale forces, and will then examine the fabrication and physical properties of low-dimensional (0-D, 1-D and 2-D) materials, including quantum dots, nanowires and graphene. Introductions will be given to colloid science and polymer physics, including applications of these materials in the production of nanostructures, such as photonic crystals from block copolymers. The course complements the level 6 unit Biophysics PHYS31211.
Aims:
To study the general physical principles underlying nanotechnology. To show how the dimensions of a material can influence its physical properties. To examine fabrication and physical behaviour of low dimensional solids including quantum dots, nanowires and graphene. To examine the origins of intermolecular and interparticle forces, and to show the importance of these at the nanoscale. To introduce basic ideas of colloid science and polymer physics, and show how these may be exploited in the bottom-up self assembly of nano-structured materials. To examine top-down approaches to fabrication, including single atom manipulation in the scanning tunnelling microscope and dip-pen lithography with the atomic force microscope.
Students will be able to:
Lectures and Problems Classes
Formative assessment is provided through problems classes
Summative assessment through a 2 hour paper (100%)