Nanoscience and Microsystems

(Also offered as PHYC 410* )

Students will study chemical and physical concepts necessary to understand nanoscale materials: Quantum properties, charge confinement, and nanoscale thermodynamics, surface and interfacial forces, nanomachines and nanostructures, self-organization, and scaling. Emphasis on problem-solving skills development.

{Spring}

(Also offered as CHNE 512)

Nanostructure characterization methods. Examine principles underlying techniques and limitations, and how to interpret data from each method: electron beam, scanning probe, x-ray, neutron scattering, optical and near field optical. Lab demonstrations and projects provide experience.

{Fall}

(Also offered as CHNE, ECE 518)

Underlying physical and chemical principles (optics, organic and inorganic chemistry, colloid chemistry, surface and materials science) for nanostructure formation using ‘top-down’ lithography (patterned optical exposure of photosensitive materials) and ‘bottom-up’ self-assembly. Labs will synthesize samples.

Prerequisite: 510

{Spring}

(Also offered as ECE, ME 519)

Lectures and laboratory projects on physical theory, design, analysis, fabrication, and characterization of micro and nanosystems. Special attention given to scaling effects involved with operation of devices at nano and microscale.

(Also offered as CHNE 522L)

This course exposes students to comprehensive yet essential elements in understanding nanofluidics for the purpose of effective separation of biomolecules: dynamics of complex fluids, colloidal chemistry, biochemistry, biomimetic surface functionalization, electroosmosis/electrophoresis, electrodynamics, optics, and spectroscopy.

(Also offered as CHNE 530)

Introduces various intermolecular interactions in solutions and in colloidal systems; colloidal systems; surfaces; interparticle interactions; polymer-coated surfaces; polymers in solution, viscosity in thin liquid films; surfactant self-assembly; and surfactants in surfaces.

(Also offered as CHNE 531)

Introduction to vapor-phase transport and surface phenomena that govern crystal growth, nanostructure patterning, and device performance.

{Fall; upon demand.}

(Also offered as ECE 532)

Introduces devices, device physics, characteristics and possible applications specific to the nanoscale. Topics include single electron transistor, carbon nanotube electronics, quantum dot devices, spin-polarized electronic and photonic devices.

(Also offered as CHNE 533)

Materials synthesis and processing by physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and aerosol routes are explored. Underlying physicochemical fundamentals are discussed, and examples from the recent literature are used to exemplify the methods.

{Offered upon demand}

(Also offered as CHNE 438/538)

Introduction to biosensors as analytical devices and biosensor technology as an emerging field of industrial development. Survey of biochemical fundamentals and immobilization of the biological components, methods for biosensors fabrication, microfluidic devices and sensor arrays.

{Spring; upon demand}

(Also offered as CHNE, ECE 550)

In this course, students will examine issues arising from this emerging technology, including those of privacy, health and safety, the environment, public perception and human enhancement.

(Also offered as ME 471/571)

This course covers advanced treatments of the science of engineering materials and mechanical behavior of materials. Examples are crystal structures, defects, micro mechanisms of deformation, thermodynamic and kinetic processes, and structure-processing-property relations of engineering materials.

(Also offered as CS, PHYC 571)

This course explores the concepts and mathematical techniques underlying quantum computation. Topics include quantum entanglement, quantum cryptography, teleportation, models for quantum computation, quantum algorithms, quantum error correction, and fault-tolerant quantum computation.

(Also offered as ECE 572)

Crystal properties, symmetry and imperfections. Energy bands, electron dynamics, effective mass tensor, concept and properties of holes. Equilibrium distributions, density of states, Fermi energy and transport properties including Boltzmann’s equation. Continuity equation, diffusion and drift of carriers.

Prerequisite: ECE 471

(Also offered as CS 473/573)

A survey of complex systems at the interface between physics and computer science, including phase transition, power laws, social networks, NP-completeness, and Monte Carlo methods.

(Also offered as ECE 474L/574L)

Materials science of semiconductors, microelectronics technologies, device/circuit fabrication, parasitics and packaging. Lab project features small group design/fabrication/testing of MOS circuits.

(Also offered as CHNE *475)

Introduces wide range of contemporary polymer science topics, emphasizing physical chemistry, polymer physics and engineering properties of polymer systems. Exposure to unique behavior of polymers in engineering applications and preparation for further studies in polymers.

(Also offered as BIOM, ECE 581)

Intended for students planning careers combining engineering, materials science, and biomedical sciences. Covers synthesis, nanocrystals characterization, biofunctionalization, biomedical nanosensors, FRET-based nanosensing, molecular-level sensing/imaging, and applications in cell biology, cancer diagnostics and therapy, neuroscience, and drug delivery.