PHY3064 - Module Description

MODULE TITLE	Nanostructures and Graphene Science					CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	PHY3064		MODULE CONVENER			Prof. M.E. Portnoi

DURATION	TERM	1	2	3	Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)		12
	WEEKS	T1:01-11

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

In this module students work in groups to prepare presentations for the whole class and follow this by working individually on their own reports, which comprise the majority of the assessed components. The fundamental physics learned in previous core modules on quantum mechanics, solid-state and statistical physics, is used as a basis to describe and explain the operation of devices that exploit both quantum phenomena and the unique characteristics of graphene. As well as demonstrating the application of physics to technology, the module also provides a grounding that will be useful for careers in the electronics and photonics industries.

MODULE AIMS – intentions of the module

Our ability to transmit, process, and store information now depends upon the quantum properties of matter and radiation and in some cases may exploit the properties of single quanta. In addition to their potential applications, quantum phenomena continue to provide new ways of probing our understanding of the world and allow us to explore the new physics of nanostructures and nanomaterials, such as graphene.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

describe the physical principles and operation of a range of devices, and the methods used to fabricate and characterise such devices;
demonstrate an understanding of quantum and graphene based devices;
critically appraise the advantages and disadvantages associated with quantum and nanostructure devices in a range of applications.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

discover and evaluate technical information from a variety of sources;
solve problems which require discovery of information.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

communicate technical information in a succinct and precise manner.

SYLLABUS PLAN – summary of the structure and academic content of the module

The schedule of work is as follows:

Week	Notes
01	Introductory lecture, assign topic 1, sample page exercise.
02	Seminar on 1st topic, assign topic 2.
03	Seminar on 2nd topic, assign topic 3 (i.e. subject of 1st assessed essay), deadline for submission of essay plan and sample page.
04	Seminar on 3rd topic, assign topic 4.
05	Seminar on 4th topic, assign topic 5 (i.e. subject of 2nd assessed essay).
06	Seminar on 5th topic, assign topic 6. Feedback session on essay plans and sample pages.
07	Seminar on 6th topic, assign topic 7. Deadline for submission of 1st assessed essay.
08	Seminar on 7th topic, assign topic 8.
09	Seminar on 8th topic, decide subject of oral presentations to be based on topic 7 or 8.
10	Groups work on presentations. Feedback for 1st assessed essay.
11	Group presentations.
12	Deadline for submission of 2nd assessed essay.

Because of the rapid change in this area, the topics will be drawn from current research and so those given below are indicative examples only.

Photon Detectors
Semiconductor based photo detectors; Charge-coupled devices; Photomultipliers.
Microcavities and Photonic Crystals
3D polaritons, microcavity polaritons; photonic crystal fabrication and optical properties.
Quantum Dots
Fabrication; basic physics - energy spectrum and density of states; optical properties - oscillator strength and spectra; Coulomb blockade and single-electron transistors.
Quantum Dot Lasers
Semiconductor lasers; Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting lasers; the advantages of quantum dots.
Physics of Graphene
Crystal structure; the Dirac equation; single-, bi- and tri-layer graphene band structures; suspended vs supported graphene; Moiré patterns.
Graphene Transistors
DC electrical transport; chemical sensors; oscillators.
Graphene Optoelectronics and Plasmonics
Saturable absorber in laser; photovoltaics; touch-screens; plasmonics.
Production of Graphene and Other 2-D Materials
Carbon nanotubes and nanoribbons; molybdenum sulphide, tungsten sulphide; topological insulators.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

13.5 hours

Guided independent study

136.5 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS