Synopsis:
Quantum phenomena in nanostructures, emphasizing interference,
dimensionality, and electron interactions. Uses recent research topics
to introduce fundamental building blocks of the subject, thereby
providing in addition a background in solid-state physics. Topics
covered may include
graphene, carbon nanotubes, and topological insulators
scanning probe microscopy
quantum transport in quantum point contacts and quantum dots
spintronics, single electronics, and molecular electronics
superconducting qubits
giant and colossal magnetoresistance
quantum Hall effect
Goals:
I have two main goals: First, I want to present a subset of the big
advances that have occurred recently in this field.
Second, in doing so I anticipate that the students will acquire a basic
foundation in electronic solid-state physics, from which they can go on
to understand many other phenomena in this area.
Level: The course is intended
for undergraduate physics majors, as well as graduate students from
physics and other departments (hence the 500-level course number). I
will assume familiarity with quantum mechanics at the level of Physics
464 (undergraduate QM 1); any quantum mechanics that I need beyond that
will be taught in class. I will not assume any background in
solid-state physics.
Course materials: I don't know
of any textbook that covers this material. Thus I have assembled
material from various places-- chapters of texts, review articles,
articles in Physics Today and Physics World, etc.
Prerequisites: No
knowledge of solid state physics is assumed. Quantum mechanics at the
undergraduate physics major level is essential, thus Physics 464 or
equivalent is a prerequisite.
Assessment (ie. grades): There are no exams in this
class. The grade is based on three components: (1) problem sets, 5-6 in
the course of the semester; (2) classroom participation which includes
presentation of small group projects at the end of each topic; (3) a
final project in which the
student writes a paper on a topic similar to those covered in class.
Last modified 8/26/2017 by Harold Baranger