Physique des nanostructures et transport électronique - 4PMTNSP2

Objectif(s)

This course introduces the students to nanostructure physics and to the physical principles which govern the operation of solid-state devices whose overall length is smaller than the electron mean free path. In quantum systems such as these, electron wave behavior prevails, and transport properties must be assessed by calculating transmission amplitudes rather than microscopic conductivity. Emphasis is placed on detailing the physical laws that apply under these circumstances, and on giving a clear account of the most important phenomena. The coverage is comprehensive, with mathematics and theoretical material systematically kept at the most accessible level. The various physical effects are clearly differentiated, ranging from transmission formalism to the Coulomb blockade effect. Many practical exercises are included to facilitate the students' understanding.

Contenu(s)

1. Properties of semiconductor heterostructures and quantum wells
2. Ballistic Transport, Büttiker’s and S-matrix formalisms.
3. Resonant Tunneling
4. Coulomb Blockade Effect
5. Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes
6. Specific Interference effects
7. High magnetic field transport and the integer quantum Hall effect (optional).

First principles of quantum mechanics and solid state physics.