Download Co-requisite modules

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-301
TITLE OF MODULE
ELECTROMAGNETISM
CREDIT POINTS
LEVEL
3
SEMESTER
1
CONTACT HOURS
22 to include 18 lectures
PRE-REQUISITE
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Dr Prem Kumar
MONITOR/S
Dr C R Allton
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
20% Continuous Assessment, 80% Written Examination
OBJECTIVES
1.
2.
3.
SYLLABUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
1.
2.
3.
SUGGESTED READING
To expand on the basic Electricity and Magnetism course (Module
PH-103) to a level where Maxwell’s equations are derived and used to
obtain the general equations for electromagnetic waves.
To illustrate and discuss the properties of electromagnetic waves in
vacuum, and in non-conducting and conducting media.
To discuss examples of practical applications relevant to everyday
experience, including telecommunication, electric circuitry and optical
phenomena.
Short review of EM theory: Gauss’s law and Ampere’s theorem.
EM theory in non-conducting media: electromagnetic induction and
magnetic materials; introduction of displacement current D and
magnetic field strength H; Maxwell’s equations in integral and
differential equation form.
EM wave theory in vacuum and non-conducting media: EM waves in
vacuum; EM waves in LIH media: Poynting vector, wave energy and
radiation pressure; reflection and refraction.
EM fields and waves in conducting media: EM waves in conducting
media; the Skin effect.
To understand the generalisation concept in EM theory based on
Maxwell’s equations.
To realise that most phenomena of fields and waves discussed in PH103 and PH-301 fall within the framework of Maxwell’s equation.
To be able to apply the formalisms of generalised EM theory to
practical examples, covering a range of topics relevant to electrical
AC/DC problems and optical phenomena.
“Electricity and Magnetism” by W J Duffin, 3rd ed (McGraw-Hill,
1990) ISBN 0-077-07209
2. “Electromagnetism” by I S Grant and W R Phillips, 1 st &d 2nd ed
(Wiley, 1986 & 1990) ISBN 0-471-927120
3. “Elements of Electromagnetism” by M N O Sadiku (OUP, 2000)
ISBN 0-195-13477X
1.
33
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-302
TITLE OF MODULE
QUANTUM MECHANICS II
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
3
SEMESTER
2
CONTACT HOURS
22 to include 16 lectures
PRE-REQUISITE
PH-205
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Prof. T J Hollowood
MONITOR/S
Prof. G.M. Shore
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
20% Continuous Assessment, 80% Written Examination
OBJECTIVES
This course further develops the conceptual framework for quantum
Mechanics given in module PH-205 and applies it to some important
problems.
SYLLABUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Formalism of quantum mechanics: state vectors and Dirac notation,
space of states, bases, operators and observables. Recovering wave
mechanics.
Spin: Nature of spin in QM: matrix representation of states and
operators, Stern-Gerlach experiment and measurement, angular
momentum addition theorem.
Interpretation of quantum mechanics: measurement in quantum
mechanics, reduction of the state vector; the EPR experiment and
classical versus quantum entanglement, Bell’s inequalities, other
interpretations of measurement.
Approximation theory: the variational method, non-degenerate and
degenerate time independent perturbation theory, first order formula
and applications. Time dependent perturbation theory, the two-state
system, radiative transitions in atoms.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
Students will learn the underlying formulation of quantum mechanics,
appreciate the issues involving measurement in quantum mechanics, and
learn how to solve quantum problems using various kinds of
approximations.
SUGGESTED READING
1.
2.
“Quantum Mechanics” by S M McMurry (Addison-Wesley)
ISBN 0-201-544393
“Quantum Mechanics” by F Mandl (Wiley) ISBN 0-471-931551
2
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-303
TITLE OF MODULE
CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM OPTICS
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
3
SEMESTER
1
CONTACT HOURS
22 (16 lectures)
PRE-REQUISITE
PH-301
CO-REQUISITE
PH-205, PH-203
LECTURER/S
Prof S J Hands
MONITOR/S
Prof G M Shore
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
20% Continuous Assessment, 80% Written Examination
OBJECTIVES
This course brings together elements from electromagnetic theory, quantum
mechanics, thermal and atomic physics to describe the production,
propagation and properties of light. Some of the concepts can be extended to
other wave motions such as sound. The basic principles of lasers are
covered.
SYLLABUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Review wave and photon descriptions of light.
Thermal equilibrium from statistical and microscopic point of view.
Stimulated emission, population inversion and simple laser systems.
Huygens’ principle, Fraunhofer diffraction theory applied to: narrow
and broad slits, diffraction grating, circular aperture, and diffraction by
obstacles.
Modifications to Huygens’ model from electromagnetic theory.
Mechanisms for spectral line broadening.
Temporal coherence and the Wiener-Khintchine theorem.
Spatial coherence.
Light as electromagnetic radiation.
Definition, production and properties of polarised light.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
By completion of the course the student will have a grasp of physical optics
from both a theoretical and practical point of view. He/she will also have
learned to apply the material in solving simple problems, and be familiar
with interconverting wavelength, wavenumber and angular frequency.
SUGGESTED READING
1.
2.
“Optics and Photonics” (Smith and King) Wiley ISBN 0-471-48925-5
“Optics” (Hecht) Addison Wesley ISBN 0-201-30425-2
3
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-304
TITLE OF MODULE
ADVANCED TECHNIQUES OF THEORETICAL PHYSICS
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
3
SEMESTER
1
CONTACT HOURS
22 to include 16 lectures
PRE-REQUISITE
PH-204, PH-206
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Prof H H Telle
MONITOR/S
Prof S J Hands
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
20% Continuous Assessment, 80% Written Examination
OBJECTIVES
In this course advance mathematical methods will be studied which are
commonly encountered in physics. The selected topics complement and
extend those from course PH-206. Strong emphasis will be placed on the
practical use of methodologies in solving selected physical problems. Some
computational tools will be introduced for the solution of algebraic and
numerical problems.
SYLLABUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
An understanding of how to use complex variable in physical problems.
Use of Fourier series and expansion in analysis of time signals and optical
apparatus. Use of Laplace transform in solving differential equation
systems.
SUGGESTED READING
1.
Review of complex variable theory.
Introduction to the principles of transforms
Dealing with periodic functions: the method of Fourier series expansion
Dealing with non-periodic functions: the method of Fourier transform
Dealing with differential equations: the method of Laplace transform
Selected examples which demonstrate the strength of transform
formalisms.
“Mathematical Methods for Science Students” by G Stephenson
(Longman Scientific and Technical) ISBN 0-582-444160
4
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-305
TITLE OF MODULE
FUNDAMENTAL PARTICLES
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
3
SEMESTER
2
CONTACT HOURS
22 to include 16 lectures
PRE-REQUISITE
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Prof G M Shore
MONITOR/S
Prof D C Dunbar
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
22 to include 16 lectures
OBJECTIVES
This course presents a modern view of Particle Physics. The course
overviews both the current theoretical model of the fundamental particle and
the experimental endeavours that investigate their interactions. The particles
of the standard model are presented and Fenyman diagram techniques are
developed to understand their interactions. The role of symmetries and their
relation to conserved quantities will be emphasized. Modern attempts to go
beyond the standard model will be reviewed.
SYLLABUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
1.
2.
3.
SUGGESTED READING
1.
Basic concepts: relativistic dynamics, antiparticles, Fenyman diagrams,
and quantum nature of fundamental forces.
Leptons and quarks.
Spacetime symmetries: conservation laws, spin, angular momentum,
C P T.
Intrinsic symmetries: charge, baryon and lepton numbers, flavour
symmetry.
Electroweak interactions: W and Bosons, interactions in the standard
model.
Quantum chromodynamics: colour and gluons.
Experimental methods: accelerators, detectors, passive experiments.
Current research and outstanding problems in particle physics.
Basic familiarity with the Standard Model.
Ability to analyse the kinematics of simple particle collisions and
decays.
Basic understanding of symmetries and the corresponding conserved
quantities.
“Particle Physics” by I S Hughes
2. “Introduction to High Energy Physics” by D Perkins ISBN 0-201121050
5
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-306
TITLE OF MODULE
ATOMIC PHYSICS AND SPECTROSCOPY
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
3
SEMESTER
2
CONTACT HOURS
22 to include 16 lectures
PRE-REQUISITE
PH-205
CO-REQUISITE
PH-302
LECTURER/S
Dr S Jonsell
MONITOR/S
Prof S J Hands
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
20% Continuous Assessment, 80% Written Examination
OBJECTIVES
This course describes the application of quantum mechanics to atomic
structure, together with the implications for spectroscopy. The electronic
structure of hydrogen (including spin, fine structure and hyperfine structure),
helium and alkali metals will be discussed from first principles in quantum
mechanics. The effect on energy levels of applied electric and magnetic
fields (Stark, Zeeman effects) is calculated in perturbation theory. Practical
examples of spectroscopic techniques such as ESR and NMR are briefly
described.
SYLLABUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Hydrogen atom with spin, angular momentum addition.
Quantum mechanics of identical particles, spin-statistics theorem and
Pauli principle, electron state in helium, periodic table.
Spectra of hydrogen, sodium, helium, selection rules, spectral line
width.
Fine structure in hydrogen: spin-orbit coupling, relativistic energy
correction, Lamb shift.
Zeeman effect, Paschen-Back effect, Stark effect, ESR.
Nuclear spin and hyperfine structure, NMR.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
An appreciation of the relation of the experimental science of spectroscopy
to quantum theoretical understanding of atomic structures.
SUGGESTED READING
“Atomic and Quantum Physics” by H Haken and H C Wolf (SpringerVerlag) ISBN 3-540-177027
6
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-307
TITLE OF MODULE
CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
3
SEMESTER
2
CONTACT HOURS
22 to include 16 lectures
PRE-REQUISITE
PH-207, PH-205
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Dr G Aarts
MONITOR/S
Dr W B Perkins
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
20% Continuous Assessment, 80% Written Examination
OBJECTIVES
This module builds on PH-207. The course provides an introduction to the
theories of electron and phonon behaviour in metals.
Electrons in a metal: Drude model, Sommerfeld model, Bloch model, Pauli
exclusion and the Fermi-Dirac distribution
SYLLABUS
bandstructure: insulators, conductors, semiconductors, holes, doping,
Fermi surfaces
superconductivity
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
SUGGESTED READING
1.
2.
An understanding of the fundamental laws of condensed matter physics.
The ability to use these laws to solve problems of practical interest.
1 Introduction to Solid State Physics, Charles Kittel (John Wiley and Sons)
2. Solid State Physics, Neil W. Ashcroft and N. David Mermin (Thomson
Learning)
7
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-311
TITLE OF
MODULE
PROJECT
CREDIT POINTS
20
LEVEL
3
SEMESTER
2
CONTACT HOURS
Individual supervision
PRE-REQUISITE
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
MONITOR/S
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
Dissertation and continuous assessment
OBJECTIVES
The one-semester project is aimed at giving the student
experience in carrying through a longer term piece of
experimental work and in producing a written report on the
work done. .
SYLLABUS
The project is intended to last one whole semester and the
written reports on the work carried out must be handed in by
the end of the semester. Each project will have a supervisor
and the student should liaise closely with the supervisor at all
times. In addition to the written report, students will give a
poster presentation and answer questions on their work.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
1. Experience in specifying, designing, organising and
carrying out an extended project lasting the whole of a
semester.
2. Acquisition of skills in writing a report, designing a poster
and giving an oral presentation of their work.
SUGGESTED
READING
8
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-312
TITLE OF MODULE
Option Experiments
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
3
SEMESTER
1
CONTACT HOURS
60 hours laboratory
PRE-REQUISITE
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Dr N Madsen/Dr S Jonsell/Dr B Lucini
MONITOR/S
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
Continuous Assessment
OBJECTIVES
The option experiments are designed to give added insight into
the specialised option lecture modules
SYLLABUS
The option experiments will be carried out in the first semester
and will be tailored to illustrate and amplify specific topics
discussed in the specialist option modules.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
A deeper knowledge of the experimental work associated with
the option modules.
SUGGESTED READING
9
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-318
TITLE OF
MODULE
THEORETICAL PHYSICS PROJECT
CREDIT POINTS
20
LEVEL
3
SEMESTER
2
CONTACT HOURS
Individual supervision
PRE-REQUISITE
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
MONITOR/S
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
Dissertation and continuous assessment
OBJECTIVES
The one semester project is aimed at giving the student
experience in carrying through a longer term piece of
theoretical work and in producing a written report on the work
done. .
SYLLABUS
The project is intended to last one semester and the written
reports on the work carried out must be handed in at the end of
the semester. Each project will have a supervisor and the
student should liase closely with the supervisor at all times. In
addition to the written report, students will give a poster
presentation and answer questions on their work.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
1. Experience in specifying, designing, organising and
carrying out an extended project lasting the whole of the
semester.
2. Acquisition of skills in writing a report, designing a poster
and giving an oral presentation of their work.
SUGGESTED
READING
10
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-320
TITLE OF MODULE
FOUNDATIONS OF ASTROPHYSICS
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
3
SEMESTER
2
CONTACT HOURS
22 to include 16 lectures
PRE-REQUISITE
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Dr S P Kumar
MONITOR/S
Prof D C Dunbar
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
20% Continuous Assessment, 80% Written Examination
OBJECTIVES
To acquaint the students with the contents of the Universe at large and
enable them to construct simple models of relevant structures
SYLLABUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
SUGGESTED READING
1.
2.
Basic solar models: equations of stellar structure and virial theorem,
luminosity, temperature and lifetime of stars as a function of mass, HR
diagrams, main sequence turn off and the age of globular clusters,
Cepheid variables and the distance ladder, low mass stars, brown
dwarves and dark matter.
Post MS evolution: giants, dwarves, neutron stars and black holes.
Galaxies: morphology, the nature of spiral arms, rotation curves, and
galaxy evolution.
Luminous objects: active galaxies, quasars, and jets.
Knowledge of different classes of star and their underlying physics.
Ability to construct a simple mathematical model of a star.
Ability to obtain scaling properties from the solar model.
Knowledge of solar evolution – in particular the role of the Virial
theorem.
Knowledge of galaxy types and structure.
Quantitative understanding of the galactic dark matter problem.
“Galaxies: Structure and Evolution” by R J Tayler (Cambridge) ISBN
0-521-364310
“The Stars: their Structure and Evolution” by R J Tayler (Cambridge) 0521-460638
11
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-321
TITLE OF MODULE
GRAVITATIONAL PHYSICS
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
3
SEMESTER
1
CONTACT HOURS
22
PRE-REQUISITE
PH-202
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Dr C Nunez
MONITOR/S
Dr W B Perkins
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
Written Examination and Continuous Assessment
OBJECTIVES
The course provides an introduction to modern gravitation theory and its
applications to astrophysics and cosmology. The concepts and predictions
of general relativity are described in a rigorous but relatively simple
mathematical framework, emphasising the role of geodesics in curved
spacetime.
SYLLABUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
SUGGESTED READING
Newtonian gravitation.
Special relativity - geodesics spacetime.
Geometry of curvature and tensor calculus.
General relativity – foundations, curved spacetime, geodesics, Einstein
field equations
Classic test of GR – Schwarzchild metric, bending of light, gravitational
geodesics, perihelion of mercury.
Black holes.
Cosmology – FRW metric, expanding universe, de Sitter metric,
inflation.
Gravitational waves.
Students should understand the physical principles of general relativity and
have mastered the essential mathematics of geodesics and curved spacetime.
They should have a quantitative understanding of black holes and
experimental tests of General Relativity.
“Principle of Cosmology and Gravitation” by M Berry (Cambridge)
ISBN 0-852-740379
“Essential relativity” by W Rindler (Springer) ISBN 0-387-100903
“Flat and Curved Spacetimes” by G Ellis and R Williams (Cambridge)
ISBN 0-198-506562
“Gravitation and Cosmology” by S Weinberg (Cambridge) ISBN 0-471925675
12
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-322
TITLE OF MODULE
PARTICLE PHYSICS AND COSMOLOGY
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
3
SEMESTER
2
CONTACT HOURS
22 to include 16 Lectures
PRE-REQUISITE
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Prof G M Shore
MONITOR/S
Prof D C Dunbar
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
20% Continuous Assessment, 80% Written Examination
OBJECTIVES
This course will introduce students to the study of the very early universe,
where particle physics provides the relevant description of matter, and
explores the consequences for the present-day observed structure of stars
and galaxies.
SYLLABUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
SUGGESTED READING
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
The Hot Big Bang: assumptions and tests. Friedmann equation and
solutions, freeze out and relic abundances, nucleosynthesis and CBMR.
Particle physics in the early Universe: GUT, electroweak phase
transition, dark matter candidates.
Classic problems: horizon, flatness and monopole problems
Higgs fields and Cosmology: inflation, the paradigm and models.
Knowledge of assumptions and tests of big bang model.
Ability to solve Friedman equation in a range of models.
Quantitative understanding of CBMR and nucleosynthesis.
Quantitative understanding of classic problems of Big Bang.
Qualitative knowledge of Higgs fields and inflationary models.
“The Early Universe” by E Kolb and M Turner (Addison-Wesley)
ISBN 0-201-626748
An introduction to Modern Cosmology by A. Liddle (Wiley)
ISBN 0-471-98758-1
Introduction to Cosmology by J.N. Norlikor (CUP)
ISBN 0-521-42352-X
Introduction to Cosmology by M. ROOS (Wiley)
ISBN 0-471-94298-7
13
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-353
TITLE OF MODULE
INTRODUCTORY MODELLING OF PHYSICAL SYSTEMS
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
3
SEMESTER
1,2
CONTACT HOURS
30 hours laboratory
PRE-REQUISITE
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Dr B Lucini
MONITOR/S
Dr D Dunbar
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
Project reports and presentation
OBJECTIVES
To provide a practical introduction to the modelling of physical systems
using a high level programming language.
Two systems will be studied:
SYLLABUS
LEARNING
OUTCOMES

Gas exchange in tissue in hyperbaric environments
 Quarkonium
The ability to construct a mathematical model of a physical system or
analyse/solve this model numerically.
SUGGESTED READING
14
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH-354
TITLE OF MODULE
ADVANCED MODELLING OF PHYSICAL SYSTEMS
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
3
SEMESTER
2
CONTACT HOURS
30 hours laboratory
PRE-REQUISITE
PH-353
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Dr N Madsen/Dr S Jonsell
MONITOR/S
Dr D Dunbar
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
Project reports and presentation
OBJECTIVES
To use advanced techniques to model physical systems with emphasis on
technique selection and comparison.
Systems that may be studied include:
SYLLABUS
LEARNING
OUTCOMES

The solar model – using shooting and relaxation
techniques

Genetic Drift – using stockastic methods and transfer
matrices.
 Membrane oscillations – using a range of PDE Algorithms
The ability to select and implement a suitable numerical technique to
analyse/solve mathematical models of physical systems.
SUGGESTED READING
15
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS MODULE DATA
MODULE CODE
PH360
TITLE OF MODULE
NANOTECHNOLOGY
CREDIT POINTS
10
LEVEL
3
SEMESTER
2
CONTACT HOURS
22 to include 16 lectures
PRE-REQUISITE
CO-REQUISITE
LECTURER/S
Dr P R Dunstan
MONITOR/S
Prof H Telle
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
20% Continuous Assessment, 80% Written Assessment
OBJECTIVES
This course gives an overview of the field of nanotechnology. Examples of real
working nanodevices are given and in each case the physics behind the device is
discussed. The course also covers the manufacture of nanodevices and their
future potential applications.
Nanotechnology: definition
Micro and Nanoelectronics
Microelectronics: Optical lithography and beyond. Real devices
Nanoelectronics: Bucky balls and carbon nanotubes: their physical and
electronic properties. Real devices: transistors and others.
Micro and Nanoelectromechanical devices (MEMS and NEMS)
Physics on the micro and nanoscale. Real devices: Motors, gears and ratchets,
Casimir force, biomolecular motors, nanosprings and nanobalances.
Atomic manipulation: Quantum Corrals.
Other interesting applications
Students will understand the physics of, and how one can manufacture,
nanoscale devices. They will study several examples of nanotechnology from
current physics research and will gain an appreciation of the technological
applications these may lead to in the future.
1. “Nanotechnology – basic science and emerging technologies”, M Wilson et
al, Chapman and Hall/CRC 2002 ISBN 1-58488-339-1.
2. “Nanotechnology”, ed G Timp (Springer, 1998) ISBN 0-387-98334-1.
3. “Micromachines on the rise”, Physics Today, Oct 2001 p38.
4. “Nanotubes for electronics”, Scientific American, Dec 2000 p38.
5. “The new nanofrontier”, Science, Nov 27 2000.
6. Science, Nov 24 2000.
7. Nature, Nov 23 2000.
8. “Nanomachines”, Scientific American, April 28 1997.
SYLLABUS
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
SUGGESTED
READING
16
EG-355 Quantum Devices and Characterisation
Module Level: 3
Credits: 10
Session: 2005/6
Teaching Block: 1
Module aims: To introduce and develop the design parameters for state of the art semiconductor devices based
on quantum confinement and to consider methods to characterise the device properties.
Pre-requisite modules: EG-242
Co-requisite modules:
Incompatible modules:
Format:
Lectures
22 hours
Example classes
4 hours
Directed private study
74 hours
Lecturer: Professor S.P. Wilks
Assessment: Examination
Module content:
 Difference between semiconductor bulk and interface properties; surface states and their influence on
interface formation. Selectivity of bulk and interface characteristics. Multi-layer device formation.
 Quantum devices such as the laser diode, MOS interface, high electron mobility transistor and negative
differential resistance tunnel diode.
 Device and material characterisation techniques; I-V, C-V, four-point probe, scanning tunnelling
microscopy.
 Future electronic devices based on quantum dots and the possibility of quantum computing.
Practical work:
Intended Learning Outcomes: After completing this module you should be able to:
1. explain the importance of bulk and interface properties in device operation
2. evaluate state of the art industrial and research techniques to characterise materials
and devices
3. analyse the suitability of semiconductor materials for device fabrication
4. design simple quantum structures to produce laser diodes, high speed transistors and
negative differential resistance
5. discuss the need for miniaturisation and evaluate its effect on device characteristics
6. analyse the current concepts associated with future devices based on
nanotechnology, nanotronics
Recommended texts:
To be advised by lecturer.
Further reading:
Additional notes:
17