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151-0605-00L 4 Credits MSC , NDS D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-MATL
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Nanosystems

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Andreas Stemmer
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:27

Abstract

From atoms to molecules to condensed matter: characteristic properties of simple nanosystems and how they evolve when moving towards complex ensembles.Intermolecular forces, their macroscopic manifestations, and ways to control such interactions.Self-assembly and directed assembly of 2D and 3D structures.Special emphasis on the emerging field of molecular electronic devices.

Objective

Familiarize students with basic science and engineering principles governing the nano domain.

Content

The course addresses basic science and engineering principles ruling the nano domain. We particularly work out the links between topics that are traditionally taught separately. Familiarity with basic concepts of quantum mechanics is expected. Special emphasis is placed on the emerging field of molecular electronic devices, their working principles, applications, and how they may be assembled. Topics are treated in 2 blocks: (I) From Quantum to Continuum From atoms to molecules to condensed matter: characteristic properties of simple nanosystems and how they evolve when moving towards complex ensembles. (II) Interaction Forces on the Micro and Nano Scale Intermolecular forces, their macroscopic manifestations, and ways to control such interactions. Self-assembly and directed assembly of 2D and 3D structures.

Resources

Literature

- Kuhn, Hans; Försterling, H.D.: Principles of Physical Chemistry. Understanding Molecules, Molecular Assemblies, Supramolecular Machines. 1999, Wiley, ISBN: 0-471-95902-2 - Chen, Gang: Nanoscale Energy Transport and Conversion. 2005, Oxford University Press, ISBN: 978-0-19-515942-4 - Ouisse, Thierry: Electron Transport in Nanostructures and Mesoscopic Devices. 2008, Wiley, ISBN: 978-1-84821-050-9 - Wolf, Edward L.: Nanophysics and Nanotechnology. 2004, Wiley-VCH, ISBN: 3-527-40407-4 - Israelachvili, Jacob N.: Intermolecular and Surface Forces. 2nd ed., 1992, Academic Press,ISBN: 0-12-375181-0 - Evans, D.F.; Wennerstrom, H.: The Colloidal Domain. Where Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Technology Meet. Advances in Interfacial Engineering Series. 2nd ed., 1999, Wiley, ISBN: 0-471-24247-0 - Hunter, Robert J.: Foundations of Colloid Science. 2nd ed., 2001, Oxford, ISBN: 0-19-850502-7

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes
Compulsory continuous performance assessment: Mini-ReviewEach student selects a paper (list distributed in class) and expands the topic into a Mini-Review that illuminates the particular field beyond the immediate results reported in the paper. Each Mini-Review will be presented both orally and as a written paper. Oral presentation and written Mini-Review will be graded separately and count towards the final course grade.Papers are assigned in class typically between the 3rd and 10th week of the semester.Task 1, 2 weeks after assignment of paper: 10-minutes oral presentation of Mini-Review followed by 3-minutes questions and answers, in class. The grade of the oral presentation counts 25% towards the final course grade.Task 2, 4 weeks after assignment of paper: Submission deadline of written Mini-Review (10 pages including figures and references). The grade of the written Mini-Review counts 25% towards the final course grade.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Nanosystems
The exercises will take place in the laboratories.
  • Thu 10:00-13:00 (ON LI NE)
4 h weekly

Offered In