This module focuses on advanced solid-state physics and quantum transport in nano-scale devices. This module is designed for students to learn the latest developments in nanoelectronics and devices. Major topics include the advanced theory of electronic structures of novel materials, quantum transport theory, and their applications to novel nanoelectronic devices.

This module focuses on the theory and fundamental aspects of nanoscale electronics. The module is designed to equip students with the basic knowledge of the fundamentals and theoretical methods required for understanding quantum electronic behaviour in current and future nanoelectronic applications. The module will cover the basic aspects of quantum theory which are relevant for electronic transport and dynamics, such as quantum operators, time-dependent quantum theory, spin dynamics and carrier statistics. The latter part of the module will cover the basic topics of solid state theory relevant for nanoelectronics, such as bandstructure, electronic transport in solids, and phonons.

This module focuses on computational studies of electronic/optical properties of nano-materials and the physical understanding of carrier transport in nanodevices. This module is designed for students to learn the computational skill from the bottom-up approaches to interpret the experimental data and to enhance theoretical understanding through the latest developments in nanoelectronics and devices. Major topics include the computational theory of electronic structures of novel materials, quantum transport theory based on nonequilibrium Green's function formalism, and their applications to nano-scale MOSFETs, novel quantum devices, spintronic devices, optoelectronic devices, and nano-thermoelectric devices. This module will also address device physics and device performance of these various nano-devices.

Notes

Homework

To provide a background knowledge of physics of electrical and optical properties of bulk and low dimensional semiconductor materials. There are two parts that one can gain from these course: (1) The first part, dealing with some basic ideas in quantum mechanics and solid state physics. The quantum mechanics include Schrodinger equation, particle in a box, tunneling effect, harmonic oscillator, time- independent perturbation theory . The solid state physics include crystal lattices, band theory, lattice vibration, the Fermi-Dirac distribution function and Fermi level, donor and acceptor states and carrier concentrations. (2) The second part, dealing with (i) Electrical properties of semiconductors, drift, diffusion, generation, recombination, trapping and tunneling. (ii) Optical properties of semiconductors, optical constants, optical absorption, radiative transition and luminescence, exciton effect, etc. (iii) Ternary and quaternary compound semiconductors, heterostructures, quantum wells and superlattices, quantum effect devices.

Notes for Part II

Homework

In this module, students will do a research project over two semesters on a topic of current interest in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students learn how to apply skills acquired in the classroom and also think of innovative ways of solving problems. Apart from intrinsic rewards such as the pleasure of problem solving, students are able to acquire skills for independent and lifelong learning. The objective of this module is to teach skills, such as questioning, forming hypotheses and gathering evidence. Students learn to work in a research environment.

This module exposes students to real-life engineering challenges, which have a mix of engineering technology and business. This project provides ample opportunity to students to handle real-life-engineering problems starting from product/service specification phase to commercialization phase. Since each phase, starting from product/service specification to marketability, demands careful planning, the students will learn engineering methods of developing a product and ways of commercializing them. Students are required to participate in a group project to study the application and commercialization of engineering technology.

Electronic devices are the building blocks of electronic systems, and an understanding of device technology is essential for the electrical engineer. This module discusses the physical foundations with emphasis on topics that are necessary for the understanding of the operation of electronic devices. Device concepts are then introduced, and the operational principles of key semiconductor devices are explained, showing how their terminal characteristics are obtained. Topics covered include: structure of solids; electrical conduction; physics of semiconductors; PN junction, bipolar transistors, and field-effect transistors.

This module introduces basic concepts in electrical and computer engineering in an integrated manner. It motivates the understanding of basic concepts in the context of practical engineering applications. The main part of the course gives the students a very strong foundation in DC and AC circuit analysis. The rest of the course gives the students a good flavor of what electrical engineering is all about. This is done using simple application examples that demonstrate the importance of AC and DC analysis. The topics covered are: Kirchhoff's Current and Voltage Laws, Ohm's Law. Resistive networks. Ideal and real sources. AC Circuits: phasors, impedance, power, power factor, resonance. Energy storage elements: capacitors and inductors. Introduction to circuit concepts including diodes, operational amplifiers, transformers, DC machines and logic gates using applications.

Introductory aspects of materials science and engineering (i.e. structure, properties and function). Structure on the Atomic scale. Energy levels, atomic orbitals, molecular orbitals; Interatomic bonding, types of bonds (metallic, ionic, covalent, molecular and mixed); Structure of metals, ceramics and polymers. Basic quantum mechanics ideas and introductory band theory; Basic crystallography, imperfection in solids, point and line defects, non-crystalline and semi-crystalline materials, diffusion and diffusion controlled process; Correlation of structure to properties and engineering functions (mechanical, chemical, electrical, magnetic and optical). Discussion of examples for main materials categories (metals, ceramics, polymers, composites and biomaterials).