Course syllabus

Fysiken för låg-dimensionella strukturer och kvantkomponenter
The Physics of Low-dimensional Structures and Quantum Devices

FFF042, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2013/14
Decided by: Education Board B
Date of Decision: 2013-04-10

General Information

Main field: Nanoscience.
Compulsory for: N4-nf
Elective for: E4, E4-f, F4, F4-f, F4-nf, N5-hn
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

This course concerns artificial materials with substructure on the nanometer scale such that the electronic motion is restricted to two, one or zero dimensions. The emphasis is on semiconductor heterostructures but also other low-dimensional systems will be discussed. The concepts and the underlying theory are introduced based on quantum mechanics and extended by the application to heterostructures. After the lecture part of the course is completed, the student will work on a project within a research group for about 1,5 weeks. The project work will be presented orally as well as in writing.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

- be able to describe and explain physics phenomena in low-dimensional semiconductor heterostructures.

- be able to calculate and explain the basic electronic structure of realistic heterostrucutres using quantum mechanical models.

- be able to calculate optical and transport properties of 0-, 1- and 2-dimensional systems.

- be able to describe applications of low-dimensional structures in for instance photonics and electronics.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

- be able to analyze advanced experiments and compare the results with realistic calculations.

- be able to plan, implement and evaluate an advanced research project.

- be able to write well structured reports that summarizes, explains and analyses experimental and/or theoretical work.

- be able to present his/her own results in an oral presentation.

- be able to independently search and find information beyond the course literature.

- be able to chose approximations and models based on experience and knowledge of physics in general

Contents

Heterostructure concepts and low dimensional systems such as quantum wells, nanowires and quantum dots. Quantum physics applied to such systems. Optical properties of low dimensional systems (transition rules, polarization etc). Transport properties of 2D and 1D systems. Quantized conductance with Landauer-formalism. Scattering phenomena in 1D. Devices based on quantum phenomena and Coulomb blockade.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH
Assessment: Written exam and home assignments. Graded laboratory exercises and project work. The final grade is based on a weighted average of the grades on the laboratory work (25%), the project work (25%) and the written exam (50%).

Admission

Required prior knowledge: (FMFF15 Quantum Mechanics and Mathematical Methods or FAFF10 Atomic and Nuclear Physics with Applications) and (FFFF01 Electronical Materials or FFFF05 Solid State Physics).
The number of participants is limited to: No

Reading list

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Mats-Erik Pistol, mats-erik.pistol@ftf.lth.se
Course coordinator: Carina Fasth, carina.fasth@ftf.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.ftf.lth.se/courses/fff042